With reference to historical inscriptions, consider the following statements:

1. The Hathigumpha inscription of Kharavela of Kalinga mentions Tamil kingdoms.

2. The Junagarh inscription was issued during the Gupta period.

3. The Aihole inscription is written in Sanskrit and Kannada script.

How many of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct answer is option 2.

Key Points

• The Hathigumpha inscription of Kharavela of Kalinga mentions about the Tamil kingdoms. The excavations at Arikkamedu, Poompuhar, Kodumanal & other places reveal the overseas commercial activities of the Tamils. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• The Uttaramerur Inscriptions were famous for detailing the existence of autonomous village assemblies (a rare example of local governance in early medieval India). It belonged to the reign of Chola ruler Parantaka I. 
• Junagarh inscription is the first ever long inscription in chaste Sanskrit issued by Rudradaman I of the Western Kshatrapas. It was not issued during the Gupta period. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
• Aihole inscription in Karnataka mentions about the defeat of Harshavardhana by Pulakeshin II & the victory of Chalukyas over Pallavas. Aihole was the first capital of Chalukyas.It is written in Sanskrit & in Kannada script. This inscription also mentions the shifting of the capital of Chalukyas from Aihole to Badami. Hence, statement 3 is correct.