Indian History and World History (Part-7)

Gupta Period 

Total Questions: 23

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)]

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 KingReign Period (Approx.)Key Highlights / Contributions
Sri Guptac. 240 – 280 CEFounder of the Gupta dynasty; ruled a small territory in eastern India
Ghatotkachac. 280 – 319 CESon of Sri Gupta; little known; laid the foundation for future expansion
Chandragupta Ic. 319 – 335 CEConsidered the real founder of Gupta Empire; assumed imperial title “Maharajadhiraja”; married Lichchhavi princess Kumaradevi
Samudraguptac. 335 – 375 CEGreat military conqueror; called Napoleon of India; issued gold coins; patron of art and literature
Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya)c. 375 – 415 CEEra of prosperity and culture; defeated Shakas; Ujjain became second capital; patron of Kalidasa
Kumaragupta Ic. 415 – 455 CEFounded Nalanda University; faced growing threats from Hunas
Skandaguptac. 455 – 467 CEDefended empire from Huna invasions; last great Gupta ruler
Puruguptac. 467 – 473 CESon of Kumaragupta I; faced internal decline
Narasimhagupta (Baladitya)c. 473 – 495 CEStruggled against Hunas; supported Buddhism
Kumaragupta IIc. 495 – 530 CEPeriod of further decline; Huna influence increased
Vishnuguptac. 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)]

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)]

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)]

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)]

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)]

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)]

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)]

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)]

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)]

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.