Gupta and Post-Gupta Period (Part-IV)

Total Questions: 40

21. Which of the following phrases defines the nature of the 'Hundi' generally referred to in the sources of the post-Harsha period ? [I.A.S. (Pre) 2020]

Correct Answer: (c) A bill of exchange
Solution:In the sources of post-Harsha period, Hundi was treated as a 'bill of exchange'.
As per RBI 'Hundis refer to financial instruments evolved on the Indian-subcontinent used in trade and credit transactions.'

22. Nalanda University was destroyed by - [43ʳᵈ B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1999]

Correct Answer: (a) Muslims
Solution:Nalanda University attracted scholars and students from Tibet, China, Greece and Persia. It was ransacked and destroyed by the army of Bakhtiyar Khilji at the end of the twelfth century. It can be seen as the coup de grace (final blow) to the decline of Buddhism in India.

23. Chinese writers mention India by the name of - [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2013]

Correct Answer: (b) Yin-tu
Solution:In ancient days, Chinese writers mentioned India by the name of 'Yin-tu' or 'Thian-tu' which means a variation of Hindu or Sindhu.

24. The most ancient monastery in India is - [R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1992]

Correct Answer: (a) Nalanda
Solution:In the above-given options, Nalanda is the most ancient monastery in Bihar. The history of Nalanda, the ancient university town of Bihar, goes back to the days of Buddha and Mahavir in the sixth century BC.

However, excavations have not revealed anything to suggest that the site was occupied before the Gupta period (fifth century A.D.).

25. Nalanda is located in - [M.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Pre) 2003]

Correct Answer: (d) Bihar
Solution:In the above-given options, Nalanda is the most ancient monastery in Bihar. The history of Nalanda, the ancient university town of Bihar, goes back to the days of Buddha and Mahavir in the sixth century BC. However, excavations have not revealed anything to suggest that the site was occupied before the Gupta period (fifth century A.D.).

The University of Nalanda was set up by Kumargupta I, one of the famous rulers of the Gupta Dynasty. During its peak time, it attracted several scholars and students even from foreign.

26. During Post Gupta Period, main business centre was - [R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 1993]

Correct Answer: (a) Kannauj
Solution:During the post-Gupta period, the business centre was shiftted to Kannauj from Ujjain During Gupta period, the importance of Ujjain was increased as Chandragupta-II made it second capital. During post-Gupta period, Harsha made Kannauj as capital in place of Thaneswar.

As Kannauj was situated on the bank of Ganga and Jamuna, it was the place of business importance and became the centre of attraction for three powers (Palas, Pratiharas and Rashtrakutas).

27. Assertion (A) : The main feature of the agrarian structure in the post-Gupta period was the development of feudalism. [U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2004]

Reason (R) : Land owner middle class and a dependent peasant class came into existence in this period.
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
Code :

Correct Answer: (a) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Solution:Option (a) is correct because both assertion (A) and reason (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

The agrarian structure in the post-Gupta period was characterized by the following:

  • Land grants: The creation of land grants, such as brahmadeyas and agrahara settlements, was a major innovation in the agricultural sector. These grants were given to religious and secular beneficiaries, such as Brahmanas, temples, and officials, and allowed them to become landowners or land managers.
  • Land intermediaries: The creation of land grants led to the rise of landed intermediaries, such as Brahmanas, between the king and the peasants. These intermediaries were exempt from taxes and dues, which promoted the growth of agriculture. However, the peasants were subjected to increased taxation and other forms of oppression, such as forced labor.
  • Taxes: A variety of taxes were imposed on the peasants, including:
  • Hiranya: A lumpsum cash assessment on villages.
  • Udranga: A tax on permanent tenants.
  • Uparikara: An extra tax on temporary cultivators.
  • Taxes on water and animals: Taxes were also imposed on water, animals, and other resources.
  • Prastha: A contribution payable by villagers to officers.
  • Customs and tolls: Customs, tolls, and ferry dues were also levied.
  • Hala-danda: A tax on ploughs.

28. Consider the following statements : [I.A.S. (Pre) 2004]

1. The Chinese pilgrim Fa-Hien attended the fourth Great Buddhist council held Council held by Kanishka
2. The Chinese pilgrim Hiuen-Tsang met Harsha and found hi to be antagonistic to Buddhism
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

Correct Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Solution:The Chinese pilgrim Fa-Hien came to India during the reign of Chandragupta-II and travelled to various places of India. Chinese pilgrim Hiuen-Tsang travelled to India from Changan, the capital of Tang rulers in 629 AD.

Harsha had already leaned towards Buddhism before meeting Hiuen-Tsang. After meeting Huien-Tsang, Harsha granted royal patronage to "Mahayana", a branch of Buddhism and became Buddhist.

29. Consider the following statements : [69ᵗʰ B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2023]

1. Fa-Hien was a Chinese pilgrim who visited India during the reign of Harsha.
2. Hiuen Tsang was a Chinese Buddhist monk who visited India during the reign of Chandragupta-II.
Which of the above statements is/are correct ?

Correct Answer: (d) None of the above
Solution:The Chinese pilgrim Fa-Hien came to India during the reign of Chandragupta-II and travelled to various places of India. Chinese pilgrim Hiuen-Tsang travelled to India from Changan, the capital of Tang rulers in 629 AD.

Harsha had already leaned towards Buddhism before meeting Hiuen-Tsang. After meeting Huien-Tsang, Harsha granted royal patronage to "Mahayana", a branch of Buddhism and became Buddhist.

30. Which of the following is not correctly matched ? [U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2021]

Foreign TravellersYear/s of Tour to India
(a) Fa-Hien399-414 A.D.
(b) Hiuen-Tsand629-645 A.D.
(c) I-tsing679-695 A.D.
(d) Al-Masudi957 A.D.
Correct Answer: (d)
Solution:I-tsing visited India during 671AD-695AD. Al Masudi visited in 915-16 AD. Fa-Hien travelled India only for 10 years (402 AD-412 AD) while his entire trip from China occured during 399-414 AD. Hieun-Tsang visited India during 629-645 A.D.