1. Ghatotkacha (who ruled in the years 290–305 B.C.) was a king from which dynasty? [S.S.C. Online CHSL (T-I) 29.01.2017 (Shift-II)]

(a) Gupta Dynasty
(b) Kanva Dynasty
(c) Shunga Dynasty
(d) Maurya Dynasty

Correct Answer: (a) Gupta Dynasty

Solution:The Gupta dynasty was founded by Maharaja Shrigupta in about 275 AD. The second ruler of the Gupta dynasty Maharaj Ghatotkach was the son of Shrigupta.

The Gupta Empire is known as the "Golden Age of India" due to advances in science, mathematics, astronomy, literature, and art.

main kings of the Gupta Dynasty, along with their reign period and key contributions:

Gupta King	Reign Period (Approx.)	Key Highlights / Contributions
Sri Gupta	c. 240 – 280 CE	Founder of the Gupta dynasty; ruled a small territory in eastern India
Ghatotkacha	c. 280 – 319 CE	Son of Sri Gupta; little known; laid the foundation for future expansion
Chandragupta I	c. 319 – 335 CE	Considered the real founder of Gupta Empire; assumed imperial title “Maharajadhiraja”; married Lichchhavi princess Kumaradevi
Samudragupta	c. 335 – 375 CE	Great military conqueror; called Napoleon of India; issued gold coins; patron of art and literature
Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya)	c. 375 – 415 CE	Era of prosperity and culture; defeated Shakas; Ujjain became second capital; patron of Kalidasa
Kumaragupta I	c. 415 – 455 CE	Founded Nalanda University; faced growing threats from Hunas
Skandagupta	c. 455 – 467 CE	Defended empire from Huna invasions; last great Gupta ruler
Purugupta	c. 467 – 473 CE	Son of Kumaragupta I; faced internal decline
Narasimhagupta (Baladitya)	c. 473 – 495 CE	Struggled against Hunas; supported Buddhism
Kumaragupta II	c. 495 – 530 CE	Period of further decline; Huna influence increased
Vishnugupta	c. 540 – ?	Last known Gupta ruler; ruled a much smaller territory

2. Which dynasty ruled India between 320 AD and 550 AD? [S.S.C. Online MTS (T-I) 12.10.2021 (Shift-II)]

(a) Hoyasala Dynasty
(b) Gupta Dynasty
(c) Mauryan Dynasty
(d) Magadha Dynasty

Correct Answer: (b) Gupta Dynasty

Solution:The Gupta dynasty ruled from about 275-550 AD. This dynasty was founded by Maharaj Shrigupta about 275 AD, but the first powerful ruler of this dynasty was Chandragupta I, who ruled from 319-335 AD.

3. Which of the following is not true about Ajanta Caves? [S.S.C. Online Graduate Level (T-I) 1.09.2016 (Shift-III)]

(a) They are in Maharashtra
(b) They are decorated with Buddhist Art
(c) They depict the techniques used in Ancient India
(d) They do not contain paintings of flora and fauna

Correct Answer: (d) They do not contain paintings of flora and fauna

Solution:Ajanta and Ellora caves are located in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra.

These caves have designs of various types of flowers, leaves, trees and animal-figure decorations.

Depiction of Buddha and Bodhisattvas, stories taken from Jataka texts, are graphically made here. These pictures mostly depict Jataka tales. The first three options related to Ajanta Caves are correct. But the fourth option is not correct.

Ajanta Ellora: a photo essay of one of most beautiful places in India

4. Name the state Chandragupta-I got in dowry from the Lichhavis. [S.S.C. Online Graduate Level (T-I) 4.06.2019 (Shift-II)]

(a) Ujjain
(b) Saketa
(c) Prayaga
(d) Pataliputra

Correct Answer: (d) Pataliputra

Solution:The state of Pataliputra was received by Chandragupta I in dowry from the Lichchhavis. Chandragupta I married the Lichchhavi princess Kumaradevi.

5. Whose achievements are mentioned in the Allahabad Pillar inscription? [C.P.O. S.I. 5.06.2016 (Shift-II)]

(a) Harsh
(b) Ashoka
(c) Samudragupta
(d) Chandragupta Vikramaditya

Correct Answer: (c) Samudragupta

Solution:The Allahabad Pillar inscription describes the achievements of Samudragupta (335-375 AD).

Its contents were composed by Harishena, the Sandhivigrahik of Samudragupta. The opening lines of this column are in verse form, and the latter in prose. It is a beautiful example of the Champu style of Sanskrit.

Ashoka Pillar Allahabad - Places to Visit in Allahabad

6. Who wrote Samudragupta’s prashasti (a eulogy written in the form of poetry or prose, usually by court poets) at Allahabad? [S.S.C. Online CGL (T-I) 24.08.2021 (Shift-III)]

(a) Kalidasa
(b) Harishena
(c) Amarsimha
(d) Vagabhatta

Correct Answer: (b) Harishena

Solution:Allahabad Prashasti:

It is also known as Prayag Prashasti.
It is a pillar inscription of Samudragupta found at Allahabad and written in Sanskrit.
It was composed by Harisena.
It is one of the important epigraphic sources to know about the political history of the Guptas.
There are thirty-three lines in total.
Line 22 of the inscription especially describes the conquests of Samudragupta over the frontier states.
Lines 13-15 of the inscription refer to the conquests of Samudragupta in his first Aryavarta war in which he defeated three important rulers namely, Achyuta, Nagasena, and Ganapatinaga of the Naga Dynasty.
Lines 19-20 described his South India Campaign.
Line 23 refers to Samudragupta violently exterminating a number of kings of Aryavarta.

7. Which pillar inscriptions has recorded the achievements of Samudra Gupta, who was known as the ‘Napoleon of India’ for his conquests? [S.S.C. Online Graduate Level (T-I) 4.03.2020 (Shift-II)]

(a) Sun Pillar
(b) Vijaya Stambha
(c) Iron Pillar
(d) Allahabad Pillar

Correct Answer: (d) Allahabad Pillar

Solution:The Allahabad Pillar inscription describes the achievements of Samudragupta (335-375 AD).

Its contents were composed by Harishena, the Sandhivigrahik of Samudragupta. The opening lines of this column are in verse form, and the latter in prose. It is a beautiful example of the Champu style of Sanskrit.

Ashoka Pillar Allahabad - Places to Visit in Allahabad

8. Who among the following rulers is called the ‘Napoleon of India’? [S.S.C. Online Graduate Level (T-I) 16.08.2021 (Shift-III)]

(a) Ashoka
(b) Samudragupta
(c) Chandragupta-I
(d) Bindusara

Correct Answer: (b) Samudragupta

Solution:

Samudragupta

He was called Indian Napoleon by VA Smith because of his extensive military conquests. He assumed the titles of Vikramanka and Kaviraja.
Virasen was his commander in chief during the Southern campaign. Vasubandhu, a famous Buddhist scholar was his minister.
Samudragupta advanced through the forest tract of Madhya Pradesh to the coast of Odisha and then moved up to Kanchi, the capital of Pallavas.
Prayag Prashasti authored by Samudragupta’s court poet Harisena gives an idea about his accession and conquests.
Campaign of Samudragupta: Prayag Prashasti mentions subjugation of three Aryavarta kings, being followed by his southern campaigns defeating 12 kings and then again defeated 9 Aryavarta kings.
The great achievements of Samudragupta were the political unifications of India.
King of Aryavarta defeated by him: Ahichchatra, Kingdom of Gwalior region.
Policy towards kings of Aryavarta: He subjugated them and annexed their territories.
Twelve kindoms defeated by Samudragupta in South India (Also known as Dakshinapatha)

9. Aryabhatta and Kalidasa were in the Court of which Gupta Emperor? [S.S.C. Online Graduate Level (T-I) 3.09.2016 (Shift-II)]

(a) Kumara Gupta I
(b) Chandra Gupta II
(c) Samudra Gupta
(d) Skanda Gupta

Correct Answer: (b) Chandra Gupta II

Solution:Chandragupta II was known for his deep interest in art and culture and nine gems or Navratna adorned his court.

- Amarsimha (Sanskrit lexicographer and a poet, Author of Amarkosha)
- Dhanvantri (Physician & medicine)
- Harisena (composed the Prayag Prasasti or Allahabad Pillar Inscription)
- Kalidasa (Most famous Sanskrit poet and playwright)
- Kahapanaka (astrologer)
- Sanku (field of Architecture)
- Varahamihira (astronomical systems, mathematician and sciences)
- Vararuchi (grammarian and Sanskrit scholar)
- Vetalbhatta (magician)

10. The earliest reference to sati custom is made in which of the following inscriptions? [S.S.C. Online Graduate Level (T-I) 1.09.2016 (Shift-II)]

(a) Allahabad Pillar inscription
(b) Eran inscription of Bhanugupta
(c) Aihole inscription of Pulkesin II
(d) Bhitan inscription of Skandagupta

Correct Answer: (b) Eran inscription of Bhanugupta

Solution:The earliest (first) recorded evidence of the practice of Sati has been found in the ‘Eran’ inscription of Bhanugupta.

This inscription dates back to 510 AD, in which there is mention of a woman, Goparaja, committing Sati.

Indian History and World History (Part-7)

Gupta Period