Question:medium

Which of the following rulers adopted the title devaputra, or "son of god"?

Show Hint

Link royal titles to their respective dynasties. Devanampiya → Ashoka (Maurya); Gotami-puta → Satavahanas; Devaputra → Kanishka (Kushana). This helps in quickly identifying the correct answer.
Updated On: Feb 16, 2026
  • Kushanas
  • Sakas
  • Mauryas
  • Satavahanas
Show Solution

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Identify the Royal Title: The query requires identifying the dynasty that employed the royal title 'devaputra'. This title confers divine status upon the king.
Step 2: Analyze Dynastic Titles:

(1) Kushanas: The Kushan monarchs, prominently Kanishka, utilized the title 'Devaputra' ("Son of God"). This practice is attributed to the influence of Chinese emperors, known as the "Son of Heaven," given the Kushans' origins from the Yuezhi tribes near China.

(2) Sakas: Saka rulers in India commonly used titles such as 'Rajan' and 'Mahakshatrapa' (Great Satrap).

(3) Mauryas: Ashoka, the most recognized Mauryan ruler, bore the title 'Devanampiya Piyadasi' ("Beloved of the Gods, He who looks on with affection"). While this suggests divine favour, it does not equate to direct divine sonship implied by 'devaputra'.

(4) Satavahanas: Satavahana rulers frequently adopted metronymics, such as 'Gotami-puta' (son of Gotami).

Step 3: Conclude the Dynasty: The Kushana rulers adopted the title 'devaputra'.
Was this answer helpful?
0