The Garuda pillar at Besnagar was erected by:
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The Garuda Pillar in Besnagar—also known as the Heliodorus Pillar—is one of the earliest known Indian pillars constructed by a foreigner.
It was commissioned by Heliodorus, a Greek ambassador from the court of Antialcidas, the Indo-Greek king of Taxila during the second century BCE.
The pillar was dedicated to Vasudeva (Vishnu), reflecting the influence of Vaishnavism during that period.
Heliodorus inscribed the pillar with a dedication in the Brahmi script, stating that he was a devotee of Vasudeva and had erected the pillar to honor him.
Located in Vidisha (Besnagar) in the state of Madhya Pradesh, this pillar serves as a significant archaeological site for understanding the cultural and religious exchanges that took place between Greeks and Indians during ancient times.