Consider the following statements regarding Persian impact on Indian subcontinent: 1. Introduction of the Kharoshthi script in Northwestern India. 2. The bell-shaped capitals and the preamble of Ashoka’s edicts, have a lot of Iranian influence. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[A] 1 only

[B] 2 only

[C] Both 1 and 2

[D] Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: C

Notes:

Explanation: The 200 years of Indo-Persian contact resulted in not only political influence, but also socioeconomic acculturation.

Along with providing impetus to Indo-Persian trade and commerce, it resulted in forging cultural ties.
The introduction of the Kharoshthi script, which was derived from Aramaic (the official script of the Persian Empire, written right to left like Arabic) in north-western India, is a fine example highlighting the Persian impact.
Some of the Ashokan inscriptions in north-western India are written in this script. Persian sigloi-type coins were copied in India.
It is possible that the rock inscriptions used by Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE was inspired by the Persian King Darius.
The monuments of Ashoka’s time, especially the bell-shaped capitals and the preamble of Ashoka’s edicts, have a lot of Iranian influence.

Source: Tamil Nadu NCERT