The Gupta Empire
Not much is known about the early rulers of the Gupta dynasty. They seem to have gradually risen in importance. Some historians suggest the early Guptas were subordinates of the Kushanas, who asserted their authority as the power of the Kushanas declined.
Sources
Prashastis are among the most important sources of information about the Gupta rule. Prashastis are long inscriptions which describe the rule and achievements of kings. In fact, prashasti means 'in praise of'.
Many prashastis were composed during the rule of Satavahana ruler, Gautamiputra Shri Satakarni as well. However, they seem to have risen in importance only during the Gupta rule.
Archaeologists have also found several coins dating back to the period. Many
temples and paintings from the period survive to this day. Besides, there are
several literary sources that shed light on the Guptas. Important among them
are the plays of Kalidasa, Hindu religious stories called Puranas, and the
accounts of Chinese pilgrim Fa Hien.
CHANDRAGUPTA-I (AD 320AD 325)
Historical
sources mention the first two Gupta rulers simply as maha-rajas. It is the
third Gupta ruler, Chandragupta I, who is believed to have laid the foundations
for the Gupta Empire.
He
adopted the grand title of maharaj-adhiraje, which means 'king of kings', and
even married a princess of the Lichchhavi tribe, Kumaradevi Chandragupta I
ruled over Magadha and some parts of Uttar Pradesh. (Prayag in Allahabad and
Saketa in Ayodhya). Under him, Magadha regained the prominence it had lost
during the Kushana period.
SAMUDRAGUPTA (AD 325AD 375)
Samudragupta,
the son of Chandragupta I, is considered the greatest ruler of the Gupta
dynasty. Much of what we know about Samudragupta is through prashastis and
coins. A prashasti inscribed on an Ashokan pillar in Allahabad is the main
source of information about Samudragupta's rule. It is often referred to as the
Prayag prashasti.
Prayag prashasti
The
Prayag prashasti is in the form of a poem and was composed around 1700 years
ago by a poet in Samudragupta's court, Harisena. The poem was composed in
Sanskrit and comprises many long sentences. It describes the rulers
Samudragupta defeated and those who submitted to his authority. According to
Harisena:
v In the north,
Samudragupta defeated nine rulers described as kings of Aryavarta and added
their kingdoms to his empire.
v In the south, he
defeated 12 kings, described as rulers of dakshinapatha. He gave back their
kingdoms after they surrendered and submitted to his authority.
v The rulers of
kingdoms such as Nepal, Assam, coastal Bengal, and a number of gana sanghas in
the northwest and forest tribes accepted his authority and attended his court.
They often brought him tributes.
v Beyond the states
of the gana sanghas in the northwest lay territories controlled by kings who
are thought to be descendants of the Shakas and the Kushanas. They also
accepted Samudragupta's authority. Even the king of Sri Lanka submitted to him.
Harisena's
prashasti also describes Samudragupta as a great warrior king, a learned and
kind- hearted man, and a good poet (kaviraja). It says Samudragupta was no less
than a god. The prashasti also mentions the ancestors of the king - his
great-grandfather, grandfather, father, and mother.
Samudragupta's coins
Coin
showing Samudragupta playing the veena
CHANDRAGUPTA- II (AD 375-AD 415)
Chandragupta
II succeeded Samudragupta to the Gupta throne. He is also known by the title of
Vikramaditya. Chandragupta-II further extended the boundaries of the Gupta
Empire. He attacked the last of the Shakas, who ruled over western India and
took control of several ports in the region such as Sopara, Cambay, and Broach.
He also entered into marital alliances with other kingdoms to strengthen his
rule. For example, he married his daughter to the Vakataka king, thereby
establishing cordial relations with the rulers of the Deccan.
Chandragupta
II is best remembered for his patronage of art and literature. His court was
believed to comprise many learned men, including the poet Kalidasa and the
astronomer Aryabhatta. There are many prashastis and coins which tell us about
his rule. The accounts of Chinese traveller Fa Hien, who came to the
subcontinent during Chandragupta II's rule, also shed light on the period.
Chandragupta II coin
Chandragupta
II was succeeded by Kumaragupta and Skandagupta. It was during Skandagupta's
rule that the Huns, a nomadic tribe from Central Asia, became a major threat to
the empire. After his death, the empire gradually disintegrated.
|
Learned men in Chandragupta |
||
|
Name |
Field |
Contribution |
|
Kshapanaka |
Astrology |
Jyothisyashastra |
|
Dhanvantri |
Medicine |
Ayurveda |
|
Kalidasa |
Drama & poetry |
Abhijnana Shakuntalam, Meghadutam |
|
Amar simha |
Lexicography |
Amarakosha |
|
Varahamihira |
Astrology |
Brihadsamhita |
|
Vararuchi |
Grammar |
Vyakarana |
|
Sanku |
Architecture |
Shilpashastra |
|
Vetalabhatta |
Magic |
Mantrashastra |
|
Harisena |
Poetry |
Prayag Prashasti |
ADMINISTRATION UNDER THE GUPTAS
The
Guptas did not have a centralised administration like the Mauryas. The empire
was divided into many provinces called bhuktis. Princes were usually appointed
as governors of these provinces. They were referred to as uparika-maharajas.
The
provinces were further divided into districts, or vishayas, which were looked
after by officials called vishyapatis and ayuktas.
The
village was the basic unit of administration. It was headed by a gramika, who
had a council of elders to assist him in his work. In the towns, officials
called nagarpatis were in charge of administration. In the cities, heads of
banking, merchant, craft, and kayastha (scribe) associations had a say in the
administration.
The
rulers also appointed officials such as ministers, military commanders,
ministers of justice, and ministers of war and peace, to help them govern the
empire. Often these positions were hereditary. For example, poet Harisena
succeeded his father as the chief judicial officer, or mahadandanayaka.
At
many times, officials held more than one post. for instance, Harisena was not
only the chief judicial officer, he was also a minister of war and peace, or
sandhivigrahika. Besides, he held another ministerial post of kumar-amatya.
Kumar-amatyas served as the link between the local and the central
administrations. Over time, many of these officials became strong enough to
establish their own independent kingdoms.
Land
remained an important source of revenue. Many other taxes were also imposed on
the people.
Land grants
Unlike
the Mauryas, who paid salaries to officials, the Guptas seem to have followed
the system of giving grants of land or villages to officials. Many times, the
officials were even given administration rights over such lands. This further
weakened the Guptas' control over the empire as some officials became quite
powerful and asserted their authority over their lands. The system of land
grants also gave rise to a new system, where peasants were often required to
remain on their land as tenants even if it was granted to others. This
eventually led to their exploitation.
SOCIETY
Several
sources such as plays and traveller's accounts tell us about the lives of
people in the Gupta Empire. Chinese traveller Fa Hien's accounts throw light on
the rigid caste structure with several sub-castes. According to Fa Hien,
'untouchables' faced a lot of discrimination during the Gupta period. They had
to live on the outskirts of the city and had to put up with all sorts of
humiliation. For example, they had to announce their arrival in markets so
people could avoid accidentally touching them.
Women
also led a restricted life. They were considered inferior to men and were not
allowed to take any independent decisions.
ARMY
The
Guptas had landlords and military leaders called samantas under them, who
pledged loyalty to them and controlled different territories. The samantas
usually provided the rulers with soldiers, horses, and weapons. They were not
paid regular salaries, but given land grants. They collected revenue from the
lands given to them and used it to maintain their armies.
TRADE
The
Gupta rulers traded with the Eastern Roman Empire and Southeast Asia. Most of
the overseas trade was conducted through ports such as Surat, Tamralipti, and
Bharuch. Silk, sandalwood, pearls, spices, precious and semi precious stones,
perfumes, indigo, herbs, ivory, and horses were important items of trade.
RELIGION
Hinduism
underwent a change during the Gupta period. Worship of Shiva, Vishnu, and
Goddesses like Laxmi gained importance. The theory of avtaras (incarnations of
Gods and Goddesses) also gained popularity. This is evident from the mention of
the 10 avtaras of Vishnu in texts from the period. The avtara cult believed
Gods such as Vishnu descend upon the Earth as divine or human incarnations from
time to time to help devotees and to restore dharma. The Bhakti movement and
idol worship also became quite popular. Artists began making beautiful images
of the deities.
The
Gupta kings were quite tolerant of different sects of Hindus and religions like
Buddhism and Jainism.
ART AND ARCHITECTURE
Many
stunning larger-than-life sculptures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses were also
created during the Gupta period. But the most famous sculptures created under
the Gupta kings are the various seated and standing images of the Buddha and
Boddhisattavas at Sarnath. Some of the cave paintings in Ajanta are believed to
be from the Gupta period. The paintings depict the Buddha and the
Boddhisattavas in vivid detail. Remains of Gupta paintings have also been found
at Bagh and Badami.
|
Ajanta caves  |
LITERATURE
Sanskrit
language and literature peaked in the Gupta period. Many important works were
composed, compiled, or written down during their rule. The Mahabharata and
Ramayana were finally written down in the form we know them today. The Puranas,
which had been passed on orally earlier, were also written down during the
period. The Puranas are believed to have been compiled by Vyasa. The
Panchatantra are collections of animal fables told by ordinary people. They
were also written down around this time.
Other
important dramatists from the period include Harisena, Visakhadatta, and
Sudraka. Visakhadatta wrote Mudrarakshasa and Devichandraguptam.
Sudraka wrote Mrichchhakatika. An important work on grammar, Amarakosha,
composed during the period, was written by Amarasimha.
ADVANCES IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Another
astronomer Varahmihira laid down the theories used in astronomy in his work,
Panchasiddhantika. He also wrote an encyclopaedia on science called Brihai
Samhita. The iron pillar in Mehrauli (Delhi), believed to have been built by a
Gupta ruler, stands witness to the superior technology and craftsmanship of the
age. Though it was constructed around 1500 years ago, the pillar shows no signs
of rusting even today.
THE END OF THE GUPTAS
The
Gupta Empire disintegrated by the middle of 6th century AD. There were a number
of causes that led to the fall of the Guptas:
1. Weak successors: Chandragupta II's
successors proved to be quite weak and inefficient. They struggled to keep
their hold over the empire.
2. System of land grants: The system of land
grants weakened the Guptas' control over the empire. Some officials who had
been given land became quite powerful and asserted their authority over their
lands as the rule of the Guptas weakened.
3. Hun invasion: The invasion of
the Huns from Central Asia served as a major blow to the struggling Gupta
rulers, leading to the gradual disintegration of the empire.
Exercise MCQ
1.
Q. Which two kingdoms were prominent powers in the Indian subcontinent after
the decline of the Maurya Empire?
A)
Chola and Chera
B)
Kushanas and Satavahanas
C)
Gupta and Rashtrakuta
D)
Pallava and Pandya
Answer: B
Explanation: After the decline of the Maurya Empire, the
Kushanas became a significant power in the northern region, while the
Satavahanas established a strong kingdom in the Deccan. These two kingdoms
played an essential role in the political landscape of early post-Mauryan
India.
2.
Q. Which empire emerged as a dominant power in the Indian subcontinent around
the 4th century AD, following the decline of the Kushanas and the Satavahanas?
A)
The Maurya Empire
B)
The Gupta Empire
C)
The Mughal Empire
D)
The Chola Empire
Answer: B
Explanation: After the decline of the Kushanas in the north and
the Satavahanas in the Deccan, a period of fragmented small kingdoms arose in
the Indian subcontinent. This situation allowed the Guptas to rise to
prominence, and they established their empire in the 4th century AD.
3.
Q. What is suggested by historians regarding the early rulers of the Gupta
dynasty?
A)
They were subordinates of the Kushanas before asserting independence
B)
They were originally rulers of South India
C)
They came to power immediately after the Mauryas
D)
They were allied with the Satavahanas throughout their reign
Answer: A
Explanation: Some historians believe that the early rulers of
the Gupta dynasty were subordinates of the Kushanas and only asserted their
independence and authority as the power of the Kushanas waned. This gradual
rise eventually led to the establishment of the Gupta Empire.
4.
Q. What characterized the political landscape of the Indian subcontinent by the
3rd century AD?
A)
The Gupta Empire had unified the subcontinent
B)
Small kingdoms emerged as the power of the Kushanas and Satavahanas declined
C)
The Mauryan Empire was at its peak
D)
The Mughal Empire had begun to rise
Answer: B
Explanation: By the 3rd century AD, the power of the Kushanas in
the north and the Satavahanas in the Deccan had weakened, leading to the rise
of several small kingdoms across the subcontinent. This fragmentation set the
stage for the Guptas to consolidate power and eventually establish their
empire.
5.
Q. What does the term "prashasti" mean?
A)
Royal decree
B)
An inscription of praise
C)
Ancient coin
D)
Religious scripture
Answer: B
Explanation: "Prashasti" means "in praise
of." It refers to long inscriptions that describe the achievements and
rule of kings. These inscriptions are a significant source of information about
the Gupta period and were used to praise rulers like those in the Gupta
dynasty.
6.
Q. Who is considered to have laid the foundations for the Gupta Empire?
A)
Chandragupta Maurya
B)
Samudragupta
C)
Chandragupta I
D)
Gautamiputra Shri Satakarni
Answer: C
Explanation: Chandragupta I, the third ruler of the Gupta
dynasty, is believed to have laid the foundations for the Gupta Empire. He
adopted the title of "maharaj-adhiraja" (king of kings) and expanded
his rule, bringing Magadha back to prominence.
7.
Q. Which title did Chandragupta I adopt to signify his authority?
A)
Maharaj
B)
Rajadhiraja
C)
Samrat
D)
Maharaj-adhiraja
Answer: D
Explanation: Chandragupta I adopted the title
"maharaj-adhiraja," which means "king of kings," indicating
his significant authority and status as a powerful ruler of the Gupta dynasty.
8.
Q. Besides prashastis, which other sources provide information about the Gupta
period?
A)
The Vedas and Upanishads
B)
Buddhist Tripitaka
C)
Plays of Kalidasa and Puranas
D)
Jain Agamas
Answer: C
Explanation: Besides prashastis, literary sources like the plays
of Kalidasa, Hindu religious stories called Puranas, and the accounts of the
Chinese pilgrim Fa Hien provide valuable information about the Gupta period.
9.
Q. Whom did Chandragupta I marry to strengthen his political alliance?
A) A
Mauryan princess
B) A
Satavahana princess
C) A
Lichchhavi princess
D) A
Gupta princess
Answer: C
Explanation: Chandragupta I married Kumaradevi, a princess of
the Lichchhavi tribe, which helped him forge an important political alliance,
further strengthening the Gupta Empire.
10.
Q. Which ruler is considered the greatest of the Gupta dynasty, known for his
conquests and achievements?
A)
Chandragupta I
B)
Chandragupta II
C)
Samudragupta
D)
Harisena
Answer: C
Explanation: Samudragupta, the son of Chandragupta I, is
considered the greatest ruler of the Gupta dynasty due to his extensive
conquests, administrative skills, and cultural contributions, as recorded in
prashastis and coinage.
11.
Q. What is the main source of information about Samudragupta's reign?
A)
The Edicts of Ashoka
B)
The Prayag Prashasti
C)
The Arthashastra
D)
The Ramayana
Answer: B
Explanation: The Prayag Prashasti, inscribed on an Ashokan
pillar in Allahabad, is the primary source of information about Samudragupta's
rule. Composed by the poet Harisena, it describes his conquests and
achievements.
12.
Q. Who composed the Prayag Prashasti, which details Samudragupta’s
achievements?
A)
Kalidasa
B)
Fa Hien
C)
Aryabhata
D)
Harisena
Answer: D
Explanation: The poet Harisena, who was part of Samudragupta's
court, composed the Prayag Prashasti in Sanskrit. This poem praises
Samudragupta's conquests and other achievements.
13.
Q. What does the Prayag Prashasti reveal about Samudragupta's policy towards
the southern rulers he defeated?
A)
He annexed their territories
B)
He made them his subordinates and gave back their kingdoms
C)
He formed a political alliance with them
D)
He ignored them after the battles
Answer: B
Explanation: In the south, Samudragupta defeated 12 rulers but
returned their kingdoms after they surrendered and acknowledged his authority,
thus establishing a tributary relationship with them.
14.
Q. What unique skill of Samudragupta is depicted on his coins?
A)
Practicing archery
B)
Writing poetry
C)
Playing the veena
D)
Meditating
Answer: C
Explanation: Samudragupta’s coins depict him playing the veena,
highlighting his interest in music and cultural pursuits in addition to his
military and administrative accomplishments.
15.
Q. Which title is also associated with Chandragupta II, the Gupta ruler?
A)
Ashoka
B)
Vikramaditya
C)
Maharaja
D)
Samudra
Answer: B
Explanation: Chandragupta II, known for his military conquests
and patronage of arts, was also called Vikramaditya. This title signifies his
strength and valor as a ruler.
16.
Q. What was one of Chandragupta II's significant achievements in western India?
A)
Conquering the Kushanas
B)
Defeating the Huns
C)
Attacking and defeating the Shakas
D)
Forming an alliance with the Chinese
Answer: C
Explanation: Chandragupta II extended the Gupta Empire by
defeating the last of the Shakas in western India, gaining control of important
trade ports such as Sopara, Cambay, and Broach.
17.
Q. Who were two prominent scholars in Chandragupta II's court?
A)
Harisena and Kalidasa
B)
Aryabhatta and Fa Hien
C)
Kalidasa and Aryabhatta
D)
Chanakya and Patanjali
Answer: C
Explanation: Chandragupta II's court is renowned for its
patronage of scholars, including the poet Kalidasa and the astronomer
Aryabhatta, who made significant contributions to Indian art and science.
18.
Q. How did Chandragupta II strengthen relations with the Deccan region?
A)
By conquering the Deccan
B)
Through trade alliances
C)
By marrying his daughter to the Vakataka king
D)
By building temples in the Deccan
Answer: C
Explanation: Chandragupta II established a strong political
alliance with the Vakataka kingdom in the Deccan by marrying his daughter to
the Vakataka king, strengthening his influence in southern India.
19.
Q. Who provided valuable accounts of the Gupta Empire during Chandragupta II's
reign?
A)
Harisena
B)
Fa Hien
C)
Megasthenes
D)
Xuanzang
Answer: B
Explanation: Fa Hien, a Chinese traveler, visited India during
Chandragupta II's reign and documented his observations of the social and
economic conditions of the time, which provide valuable insights into Gupta
rule.
20.
Q. Who succeeded Chandragupta II to the Gupta throne?
A)
Samudragupta
B)
Ashoka
C)
Kumaragupta and Skandagupta
D)
Harshavardhana
Answer: C
Explanation: After Chandragupta II, his successors Kumaragupta
and Skandagupta ruled the Gupta Empire. Skandagupta later faced invasions from
the Huns, which weakened the empire.
21.
Q. Who is known for his contributions to Ayurveda in the Gupta court?
A)
Dhanvantri
B)
Varahamihira
C)
Kalidasa
D)
Amar Simha
Answer: A
Explanation: Dhanvantri was a renowned physician in the Gupta
court, known for his contributions to Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of
medicine.
22.
Q. Which scholar from the Gupta period is associated with the famous works
Abhijnana Shakuntalam and Meghadutam?
A)
Amar Simha
B)
Kalidasa
C)
Vararuchi
D)
Harisena
Answer: B
Explanation: Kalidasa was a celebrated poet and dramatist in the
Gupta court, known for his famous works Abhijnana Shakuntalam and Meghadutam.
23.
Q. The work Amarakosha is a well-known text in which field?
A)
Drama
B)
Lexicography
C)
Medicine
D)
Astrology
Answer: B
Explanation: Amarakosha is a Sanskrit lexicon composed by Amar
Simha, making significant contributions to the field of lexicography.
24.
Q. Who was the astrologer in the Gupta court known for writing Brihadsamhita?
A)
Kshapanaka
B)
Varahamihira
C)
Vararuchi
D)
Vetalabhatta
Answer: B
Explanation: Varahamihira was a prominent astrologer and
astronomer of the Gupta period, known for his work Brihadsamhita, an
encyclopedic text on astrology and various other subjects.
25.
Q. Which scholar from the Gupta era is known for his work in grammar?
A)
Vararuchi
B)
Sanku
C)
Harisena
D)
Kshapanaka
Answer: A
Explanation: Vararuchi was a grammarian in the Gupta court and
made significant contributions to Sanskrit grammar.
26.
Q. Prayag Prashasti, an important source of information about Samudragupta, was
composed by which poet?
A)
Vetalabhatta
B)
Kalidasa
C)
Harisena
D)
Sanku
Answer: C
Explanation: Harisena, a poet in Samudragupta’s court, composed
the Prayag Prashasti, a prashasti inscribed on an Ashokan pillar that describes
Samudragupta’s achievements.
27.
Q. Who among the following was associated with Shilpashastra, the ancient
Indian science of architecture?
A)
Kshapanaka
B)
Sanku
C)
Varahamihira
D)
Dhanvantri
Answer: B
Explanation: Sanku was an expert in Shilpashastra, the science
of architecture, and contributed to the field during the Gupta period.
28.
Q. How was the Gupta Empire primarily divided for administrative purposes?
A)
Mahajanapadas
B)
Bhuktis
C)
Mandalas
D)
States
Answer: B
Explanation: The Gupta Empire was divided into provinces called
bhuktis, which were governed by princes who served as governors.
29.
Q. Who were the officials responsible for managing the districts, or vishayas,
in the Gupta Empire?
A)
Uparika-maharajas
B)
Nagarpatis
C)
Vishyapatis and Ayuktas
D)
Gramikas
Answer: C
Explanation: Vishyapatis and Ayuktas were the officials in
charge of the administration of districts (vishayas) under the Gupta Empire.
30.
Q. In Gupta administration, who was responsible for the governance of villages?
A)
Vishyapati
B)
Gramika
C)
Sandhivigrahika
D)
Nagarpati
Answer: B
Explanation: Each village, the basic unit of administration, was
headed by a gramika, assisted by a council of village elders.
31.
Q. What was the title given to Harisena, who held multiple posts in the Gupta
administration?
A)
Nagarpati
B)
Sandhivigrahika
C)
Mahadandanayaka
D)
Vishyapati
Answer: C
Explanation: Harisena held the position of mahadandanayaka
(chief judicial officer) and was also the sandhivigrahika (minister of war and
peace) and kumar-amatya.
32.
Q. What was one of the consequences of the land grant system practiced by the
Guptas?
A)
Strengthening of central authority
B)
Weakening of Gupta control
C)
Reduction in taxes
D)
Increased power of local merchants
Answer: B
Explanation: The Gupta system of granting lands to officials
weakened central control as these officials became powerful, often establishing
authority over their lands.
33.
Q. Which of the following was a new system that arose from Gupta land grants?
A)
Self-governance for peasants
B)
Peasants remaining as tenants even if land ownership changed
C)
Abolition of taxes on land
D)
Only local administration of taxes
Answer: B
Explanation: Under the Gupta land grant system, peasants often
remained tenants on lands granted to officials, even if ownership changed,
leading to increased exploitation of peasants.
34.
Q. According to Fa Hien's account, which social group faced significant
discrimination during the Gupta period?
A)
Merchants
B)
Brahmins
C)
'Untouchables'
D)
Samantas
Answer: C
Explanation: Fa Hien's account highlights that 'untouchables'
faced discrimination and had to live on the outskirts of the city, announcing
their arrival to avoid accidental contact with others.
35.
Q. In the Gupta Empire, who were the samantas?
A)
Local village heads
B)
Merchants involved in overseas trade
C)
Military leaders and landlords who provided soldiers and resources
D)
Priests in temples
Answer: C
Explanation: The samantas were military leaders and landlords
under the Gupta rulers who pledged loyalty to them and provided soldiers,
horses, and weapons, funded by revenue from land grants.
36.
Q. What religious development is associated with the Gupta period in Hinduism?
A)
Emergence of Jainism
B)
Decline of idol worship
C)
Rise of the Bhakti movement and the concept of avtaras
D)
Prohibition of Vishnu and Shiva worship
Answer: C
Explanation: During the Gupta period, the Bhakti movement and
idol worship gained popularity, along with the concept of avtaras, or divine
incarnations, particularly of Vishnu.
37.
Q. Which architectural feature is commonly found in temples from the Gupta
period?
A)
Domes
B)
Garbhagriha with a tower (shikhara)
C)
Mosques
D)
Multi-story pagodas
Answer: B
Explanation: Gupta temples featured a garbhagriha, or central
chamber for the deity's image, often marked by a shikhara or tower above it, as
seen in the temples at Bhitargaon and Deogarh.
38.
Q. Which site is renowned for its rock-cut caves that contain paintings and
sculptures from the Gupta period?
A)
Sarnath
B)
Badami
C)
Ajanta
D)
Deogarh
Answer: C
Explanation: The Ajanta caves in Maharashtra house many stunning
paintings and sculptures from the Gupta period, depicting Buddha and
Bodhisattvas, and were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
39.
Q. What was a key characteristic of the Gupta kings' religious policy?
A)
Strict adherence to only Hinduism
B)
Tolerance towards various sects and religions
C)
Promotion of Jainism exclusively
D)
Prohibition of temple construction
Answer: B
Explanation: The Gupta rulers were known for their tolerance of
different Hindu sects as well as other religions, including Buddhism and
Jainism.
40.
Q. Which famous playwright and poet was believed to have been part of
Chandragupta II's court?
A)
Aryabhatta
B)
Fa Hien
C)
Kalidasa
D)
Harisena
Answer: C
Explanation: Kalidasa, the renowned playwright and poet, is said
to have been a member of Chandragupta II’s court and is celebrated for works
like Abhijnana Shakuntalam and Meghadutam.
41.
Q. Which of the following literary works was composed by Kalidasa during the
Gupta period?
A)
Mudrarakshasa
B)
Amarakosha
C)
Meghaduta
D)
Mrichchhakatika
Answer: C
Explanation: Kalidasa, a celebrated poet and playwright of the
Gupta period, composed works such as Meghaduta, Raghuvamsha, Kumarasambhava,
and Abhijnana Shakuntalam.
42.
Q. Who is believed to have compiled the Puranas during the Gupta period?
A)
Sudraka
B)
Vyasa
C)
Visakhadatta
D)
Harisena
Answer: B
Explanation: The Puranas, which were initially passed on orally,
are believed to have been compiled by Vyasa during the Gupta period.
43.
Q. Which text by Aryabhatta suggested that the earth revolves around the sun?
A)
Panchasiddhantika
B)
Aryabhatiyam
C)
Amarakosha
D)
Brihat Samhita
Answer: B
Explanation: Aryabhatta’s work Aryabhatiyam proposed that the
earth revolves around the sun and also explained eclipses and the causes of day
and night.
44.
Q. What is the significance of the Iron Pillar at Mehrauli in Delhi from the
Gupta period?
A)
It is a monument to the Gupta kings' battles
B)
It shows advanced technology due to its rust-resistant composition
C)
It has inscriptions from the Mauryan period
D)
It was used for astronomical observations
Answer: B
Explanation: The Iron Pillar at Mehrauli, built during the Gupta
period, is known for its advanced metallurgy as it has resisted rusting for
around 1500 years.
45.
Q. Which of these works was written by the Gupta-era dramatist Visakhadatta?
A)
Mrichchhakatika
B)
Devichandraguptam
C)
Kumarasambhava
D)
Raghuvamsha
Answer: B
Explanation: Visakhadatta, a dramatist of the Gupta period,
wrote Mudrarakshasa and Devichandraguptam.
46.
Q. What was the cause of the decline of the Gupta Empire?
A)
Strong central administration
B)
Effective management of land grants
C)
Weak successors, land grants, and invasions by the Huns
D)
Alliance with the Huns
Answer: C
Explanation: The Gupta Empire’s decline was due to weak
successors, the decentralizing effect of land grants, and invasions by the Huns
from Central Asia.
47.
Q. Who wrote the Panchasiddhantika, a major text on astronomy during the Gupta
period?
A)
Aryabhatta
B)
Varahamihira
C)
Amarasimha
D)
Kalidasa
Answer: B
Explanation: Varahamihira wrote Panchasiddhantika, which lays
out various theories in astronomy, and Brihat Samhita, an encyclopedic work on
science.
48.
Q. The Gupta period marked the writing down of which important epics in their
present form?
A)
Ramayana and Mahabharata
B)
Mahabharata and Arthashastra
C)
Rigveda and Yajurveda
D)
Panchatantra and Jataka tales
Answer: A
Explanation: During the Gupta period, the epics Ramayana and
Mahabharata were written down in the form known today.
49.
Q. Which Gupta-period text on grammar was written by Amarasimha?
A)
Brihat Samhita
B)
Mudrarakshasa
C)
Amarakosha
D)
Mrichchhakatika
Answer: C
Explanation: Amarakosha, a lexicon, was written by Amarasimha
during the Gupta period and remains a significant work in Sanskrit grammar.
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