In this post, we’ve carefully prepared a set of important MCQs based on the Gupta Empire and the Golden Age of India, which are frequently asked in competitive exams like OPSC, OSSC, OSSSC, SSC, Railway, Police, and more.
These questions are selected from previous year papers and trusted sources. You can expect 1 to 2 questions in your upcoming exams from this topic. So, make sure to practice all questions seriously to strengthen your history section.
A free PDF download link is provided at the end of the post for easy offline study.
Stay focused, keep practicing, and crack your exam with confidence!
Who is considered the founder of the Gupta dynasty?
(a) Chandragupta I
(b) Samudragupta
(c) Sri Gupta
(d) Ghatotkacha
Answer: (c) Sri Gupta
Which Gupta ruler is considered the first independent and major king of the dynasty?
(a) Sri Gupta
(b) Ghatotkacha
(c) Chandragupta I
(d) Samudragupta
Answer: (c) Chandragupta I
Chandragupta I started which era that was used in Gupta inscriptions?
(a) Saka Era
(b) Vikram Samvat
(c) Gupta Era
(d) Harsha Era
Answer: (c) Gupta Era
Samudragupta is often referred to as the “Napoleon of India” by which historian?
(a) Vincent Smith
(b) Romila Thapar
(c) R.C. Majumdar
(d) A.L. Basham
Answer: (a) Vincent Smith
The Allahabad Pillar Inscription (Prayaga Prashasti) provides detailed information about the conquests of which Gupta ruler?
(a) Chandragupta I
(b) Samudragupta
(c) Chandragupta II
(d) Skandagupta
Answer: (b) Samudragupta
Who composed the Allahabad Pillar Inscription (Prayaga Prashasti)?
(a) Kalidasa
(b) Harishena
(c) Aryabhata
(d) Varahamihira
Answer: (b) Harishena
Which Gupta ruler adopted the title “Vikramaditya”?
(a) Chandragupta I
(b) Samudragupta
(c) Chandragupta II
(d) Kumaragupta I
Answer: (c) Chandragupta II
During whose reign did the Chinese Buddhist monk Fa-Hien (Faxian) visit India?
(a) Chandragupta I
(b) Samudragupta
(c) Chandragupta II
(d) Kumaragupta I
Answer: (c) Chandragupta II
Which Gupta ruler faced the invasion of the Hunas?
(a) Kumaragupta I
(b) Skandagupta
(c) Buddhagupta
(d) Vishnugupta
Answer: (b) Skandagupta
The Bhitari Pillar Inscription mentions the victory of which Gupta ruler against the Hunas?
(a) Kumaragupta I
(b) Skandagupta
(c) Buddhagupta
(d) Vishnugupta
Answer: (b) Skandagupta
Who was the successor of Chandragupta II?
(a) Samudragupta
(b) Kumaragupta I
(c) Skandagupta
(d) Vishnugupta
Answer: (b) Kumaragupta I
The Nalanda University was established during the reign of which Gupta ruler?
(a) Chandragupta I
(b) Samudragupta
(c) Chandragupta II
(d) Kumaragupta I
Answer: (d) Kumaragupta I
The last recognized major ruler of the Gupta dynasty was:
(a) Kumaragupta II
(b) Buddhagupta
(c) Vishnugupta
(d) Purugupta
Answer: (c) Vishnugupta
The Gupta Empire primarily ruled over which part of the Indian subcontinent?
(a) Southern India
(b) Eastern India
(c) Northern India
(d) Western India
Answer: (c) Northern India
The Gupta rulers had matrimonial alliances with which powerful family?
(a) Mauryas
(b) Vakatakas
(c) Cholas
(d) Pallavas
Answer: (b) Vakatakas
Gupta Administration and Society
The Gupta administration was characterized by:
(a) A highly centralized system like the Mauryas
(b) A decentralized system with significant autonomy for local rulers
(c) A theocratic system dominated by Brahmins
(d) A maritime-focused administration
Answer: (b) A decentralized system with significant autonomy for local rulers
What was the basic unit of Gupta administration at the village level?
(a) Vishaya
(b) Bhukti
(c) Grama
(d) Mandala
Answer: (c) Grama
The head of a ‘Vishaya’ (district) in the Gupta administration was known as:
(a) Kumaramatya
(b) Uparika
(c) Vishayapati
(d) Senapati
Answer: (c) Vishayapati
‘Bhukti’ in the Gupta administration referred to:
(a) A province
(b) A district
(c) A village council
(d) A type of tax
Answer: (a) A province
Land revenue was a major source of income during the Gupta period. What was the भाग (bhaga)?
(a) Religious tax
(b) Share of the produce given to the king
(c) Irrigation tax
(d) Toll tax
Answer: (b) Share of the produce given to the king
Which of the following terms was used for forced labor in the Gupta period?
(a) Visti
(b) Bali
(c) Kara
(d) Hiranya
Answer: (a) Visti
Gold coins issued by the Gupta rulers were known as:
(a) Pana
(b) Karshapana
(c) Dinara
(d) Rupyaka
Answer: (c) Dinara
Silver coins issued by the Gupta rulers were known as:
(a) Dinara
(b) Suvarna
(c) Rupyaka
(d) Mashaka
Answer: (c) Rupyaka
Which of the following ports was a major center for maritime trade during the Gupta period on the western coast?
(a) Tamralipta
(b) Broach (Bharuch)
(c) Kaveripattinam
(d) Arikamedu
Answer: (b) Broach (Bharuch)
Which of the following ports was a major center for maritime trade during the Gupta period on the eastern coast?
(a) Broach (Bharuch)
(b) Sopara
(c) Tamralipta
(d) Muziris
Answer: (c) Tamralipta
The Gupta society was largely based on the Varna system, but there was also a rise in the importance of:
(a) Tribal communities
(b) Guilds (Shrenis)
(c) Foreign merchants
(d) Royal officials
Answer: (b) Guilds (Shrenis)
Which of the following was a common practice regarding women in the Gupta period?
(a) Widow remarriage was widely accepted.
(b) Women actively participated in political affairs.
(c) Child marriage became more prevalent.
(d) Women had equal property rights with men.
Answer: (c) Child marriage became more prevalent.
The status of Shudras in the Gupta period generally:
(a) Improved significantly compared to earlier periods.
(b) Remained largely unchanged.
(c) Declined further with stricter social regulations.
(d) Led to widespread revolts.
Answer: (b) Remained largely unchanged.
Which of the following religions flourished during the Gupta period?
(a) Buddhism
(b) Jainism
(c) Hinduism
(d) All of the above
Answer: (d) All of the above (with Hinduism, particularly Vaishnavism and Shaivism, gaining prominence)
Patronage of learning and the arts was a key feature of the Gupta period, leading to its description as the:
(a) Mauryan Renaissance
(b) Golden Age of India
(c) Age of Religious Reforms
(d) Era of Political Unification
Answer: (b) Golden Age of India
Gupta Art, Literature, and Science
Who is the author of the famous play “Abhijnanashakuntalam”?
(a) Bhasa
(b) Kalidasa
(c) Sudraka
(d) Vishakhadatta
Answer: (b) Kalidasa
“Mrichchhakatika” (The Little Clay Cart) is a famous drama attributed to:
(a) Kalidasa
(b) Bhasa
(c) Sudraka
(d) Bharavi
Answer: (c) Sudraka
The Panchatantra, a collection of animal fables, is attributed to:
(a) Vishnu Sharma
(b) Nagarjuna
(c) Vatsyayana
(d) Aryabhata
Answer: (a) Vishnu Sharma
The Kamasutra, a treatise on human sexual behavior, is attributed to:
(a) Patanjali
(b) Vatsyayana
(c) Brahmagupta
(d) Baudhayana
Answer: (b) Vatsyayana
Which of the following literary works is NOT associated with the Gupta period?
(a) Raghuvamsha
(b) Kiratarjuniya
(c) Meghaduta
(d) Arthashastra
Answer: (d) Arthashastra (belongs to the Mauryan period)
Who was a renowned mathematician and astronomer during the Gupta period, known for his work on zero and the decimal system?
(a) Varahamihira
(b) Brahmagupta
(c) Aryabhata
(d) Bhaskara I
Answer: (c) Aryabhata
Aryabhata is the author of which important work on mathematics and astronomy?
(a) Surya Siddhanta
(b) Aryabhatiya
(c) Panchasiddhantika
(d) Khandakhadyaka
Answer: (b) Aryabhatiya
Which Gupta-era scholar is known for his work on astrology and astronomy, “Brihatsamhita”?
(a) Aryabhata
(b) Brahmagupta
(c) Varahamihira
(d) Bhaskara II
Answer: (c) Varahamihira
The Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh, Uttar Pradesh, dedicated to Vishnu, is a fine example of:
(a) Mauryan architecture
(b) Gupta architecture
(c) Vakataka architecture
(d) Pallava architecture
Answer: (b) Gupta architecture
The Buddhist monasteries and the rock-cut caves at Ajanta and Ellora received patronage from which dynasties during the Gupta period?
(a) Only the Guptas
(b) Guptas and Vakatakas
(c) Guptas and Pallavas
(d) Only the Vakatakas
Answer: (b) Guptas and Vakatakas
The Sarnath Buddha image is a notable example of which school of art that flourished during the Gupta period?
(a) Gandhara School
(b) Mathura School
(c) Sarnath School
(d) Amaravati School
Answer: (c) Sarnath School (often considered a refined form of the Mathura style)
Gupta sculptures are generally characterized by:
(a) Their massive size and grandeur
(b) Their serene expressions and graceful forms
(c) Their intricate carvings depicting royal life
(d) Their strong Hellenistic influences
Answer: (b) Their serene expressions and graceful forms
Painting during the Gupta period reached a high level of sophistication, examples of which can be seen in the:
(a) Mauryan pillars
(b) Ajanta caves
(c) Sanchi stupa
(d) Meenakshi Temple
Answer: (b) Ajanta caves
The Gupta period saw the development of the Nagara style of temple architecture in:
(a) Southern India
(b) Northern India
(c) Eastern India
(d) Western India
Answer: (b) Northern India
Which of the following metals saw significant advancements in metallurgy during the Gupta period, evident in the Mehrauli Iron Pillar?
(a) Gold
(b) Silver
(c) Iron
(d) Copper
Answer: (c) Iron
The Mehrauli Iron Pillar near Qutub Minar in Delhi is attributed to which period?
(a) Mauryan Period
(b) Gupta Period
(c) Delhi Sultanate Period
(d) Mughal Period
Answer: (b) Gupta Period
The Gupta period witnessed the compilation of which important legal texts?
(a) Vedas
(b) Upanishads
(c) Smritis and Dharmashastras
(d) Aranyakas
Answer: (c) Smritis and Dharmashastras
The concept of zero as a number and its use in mathematical operations is largely attributed to scholars of which period?
(a) Indus Valley Civilization
(b) Vedic Period
(c) Gupta Period
(d) Mauryan Period
Answer: (c) Gupta Period
The Gupta period is known for its contributions to the field of medicine, with scholars like:
(a) Charaka
(b) Sushruta
(c) Vagbhata
(d) All of the above (Vagbhata’s Ashtanga Hridaya is a key text)
Answer: (c) Vagbhata
The Puranas were largely compiled and written down in their current form during which period?
(a) Vedic Period
(b) Mauryan Period
(c) Gupta Period
(d) Delhi Sultanate Period
Answer: (c) Gupta Period
Gupta Religion and Philosophy
During the Gupta period, which branch of Hinduism gained significant prominence?
(a) Shaktism
(b) Vaishnavism
(c) Shaivism
(d) All of the above (Vaishnavism and Shaivism were particularly important)
Answer: (d) All of the above
The worship of which deity became central to Vaishnavism during the Gupta era?
(a) Brahma
(b) Vishnu
(c) Shiva
(d) Surya
Answer: (b) Vishnu
The concept of the Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva) became well-established during which period?
(a) Vedic Period
(b) Mauryan Period
(c) Gupta Period
(d) Kushana Period
Answer: (c) Gupta Period
Bhagavatism, emphasizing devotion to Vishnu, flourished during the Gupta period. What is another name for Bhagavatism?
(a) Shaivism
(b) Shaktism
(c) Vaishnavism
(d) Buddhism
Answer: (c) Vaishnavism
Although Hinduism gained prominence, Buddhism continued to be practiced during the Gupta period. Which famous Buddhist university flourished during this time?
(a) Taxila
(b) Nalanda
(c) Vikramshila
(d) Valabhi
Answer: (b) Nalanda
Jainism also received royal patronage in some parts of the Gupta Empire, particularly in:
(a) Magadha
(b) Mathura and Gujarat
(c) Bengal
(d) Kashmir
Answer: (b) Mathura and Gujarat
The Gupta rulers generally followed a policy of religious:
(a) Intolerance
(b) Persecution
(c) Tolerance
(d) Strict enforcement of Brahmanical practices
Answer: (c) Tolerance
The philosophical schools of Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Samkhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, and Vedanta continued to develop during the Gupta period. Which of these emphasizes logical reasoning and epistemology?
(a) Samkhya
(b) Yoga
(c) Nyaya
(d) Vedanta
Answer: (c) Nyaya
Which philosophical school focuses on the dualism of Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (nature)?
(a) Yoga
(b) Vedanta
(c) Samkhya
(d) Mimamsa
Answer: (c) Samkhya
Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, though compiled earlier, saw significant commentaries and development during the Gupta era. What is the primary focus of Yoga philosophy?
(a) Ritualistic actions
(b) Liberation through knowledge
(c) Discipline of the mind and body
(d) Analysis of the universe
Answer: (c) Discipline of the mind and body
Decline of the Gupta Empire
The decline of the Gupta Empire began in the late:
(a) 4th century CE
(b) 5th century CE
(c) 6th century CE
(d) 7th century CE
Answer: (b) 5th century CE
Which of the following was a major factor contributing to the decline of the Gupta Empire?
(a) Strong centralized rule leading to internal conflicts
(b) Frequent and successful invasions by the Mauryas
(c) Invasions by the Hunas
(d) A decline in trade and agriculture
Answer: (c) Invasions by the Hunas
The later Gupta rulers were weakened by internal strife and the rise of:
(a) Powerful feudatories
(b) Stronger neighboring empires like the Cholas
(c) Large-scale peasant revolts
(d) Religious conflicts between Hinduism and Buddhism
Answer: (a) Powerful feudatories
After the disintegration of the Gupta Empire, several independent kingdoms emerged in North India. Which of the following was NOT one of them?
(a) The Maitrakas of Valabhi
(b) The Pushyabhutis of Thanesar
(c) The Chalukyas of Badami
(d) The Gaudas of Bengal
Answer: (c) The Chalukyas of Badami (they rose in the Deccan)
The Huna invasions primarily affected which part of the Gupta Empire?
(a) Southern regions
(b) Northwestern regions
(c) Eastern regions
(d) Central regions
Answer: (b) Northwestern regions
The economic prosperity of the Gupta period gradually declined due to:
(a) A shift in trade routes
(b) Over-reliance on agriculture
(c) The disruption caused by foreign invasions
(d) All of the above
Answer: (d) All of the above
The Gupta rulers issued a large number of gold coins, but the purity of these coins:
(a) Increased over time, indicating greater economic stability.
(b) Remained consistently high throughout the empire.
(c) Decreased in the later period, suggesting economic strain.
(d) Was uniform across all regions of the empire.
Answer: (c) Decreased in the later period, suggesting economic strain.
The administrative structure of the Guptas, with its emphasis on local autonomy, eventually contributed to:
(a) Greater political unity in the long run.
(b) The strengthening of the central authority.
(c) The rise of independent regional powers after the decline of the central authority.
(d) A more efficient tax collection system.
Answer: (c) The rise of independent regional powers after the decline of the central authority.
The سكاندگپتا (Skandagupta) inscription at Bhitari primarily details his:
(a) Religious beliefs
(b) Military achievements, especially against the Hunas
(c) Administrative reforms
(d) Patronage of the arts
Answer: (b) Military achievements, especially against the Hunas
The weakening of the Gupta central authority led to increased power and influence of:
(a) Buddhist monasteries
(b) Village councils
(c) Feudal lords and local chiefs
(d) Foreign traders
Answer: (c) Feudal lords and local chiefs
Gupta Empire and the “Golden Age”
The term “Golden Age” associated with the Gupta period signifies:
(a) A period of unbroken political unity and peace.
(b) Significant advancements and flourishing in art, literature, science, and culture.
(c) An era of immense economic prosperity for all sections of society.
(d) The widespread adoption of a single dominant religion.
Answer: (b) Significant advancements and flourishing in art, literature, science, and culture.
While often called the “Golden Age,” historians also point out certain limitations, such as:
(a) The absence of any significant artistic or scientific progress.
(b) The limited reach of prosperity to all sections of society and the declining status of women.
(c) Constant warfare and political instability.
(d) A decline in religious tolerance.
Answer: (b) The limited reach of prosperity to all sections of society and the declining status of women.
The Gupta period is considered a high point in the development of:
(a) Mauryan art and architecture
(b) Indo-Islamic architecture
(c) Classical Sanskrit literature
(d) Dravidian temple architecture
Answer: (c) Classical Sanskrit literature
The Mehrauli Iron Pillar is a testament to the Gupta’s mastery in:
(a) Textile production
(b) Ship building
(c) Metalworking
(d) Pottery
Answer: (c) Metalworking
The decimal system and the concept of zero were fully developed and popularized during the:
(a) Vedic Period
(b) Mauryan Period
(c) Gupta Period
(d) Delhi Sultanate Period
Answer: (c) Gupta Period
The paintings in the Ajanta caves, depicting various Buddhist stories, primarily belong to which periods?
(a) Mauryan and Sunga
(b) Satavahana and Gupta
(c) Kushana and Vakataka
(d) Pala and Sena
Answer: (b) Satavahana and Gupta
The Gupta era saw the growth of trade with which regions?
(a) Only within the Indian subcontinent
(b) Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and the Roman Empire
(c) Primarily with China via the Silk Road
(d) Only with neighboring kingdoms in North India
Answer: (b) Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and the Roman Empire
The Nalanda University became a major center for:
(a) Military training
(b) Trade and commerce
(c) Buddhist learning and philosophy
(d) Royal administration
Answer: (c) Buddhist learning and philosophy
The Gupta period witnessed a resurgence of Brahmanical Hinduism, with a greater emphasis on:
(a) Animal sacrifices
(b) Idol worship and temple construction
(c) Asceticism and renunciation
(d) Philosophical debates in forest retreats
Answer: (b) Idol worship and temple construction
The Gupta rulers played a significant role in standardizing which language for official and literary purposes?
(a) Pali
(b) Prakrit
(c) Sanskrit
(d) Apabhramsha
Answer: (c) Sanskrit
Miscellaneous Gupta Empire Facts
The emblem of the Gupta dynasty often featured the image of:
(a) A lion
(b) An eagle (Garuda)
(c) A horse
(d) An elephant
Answer: (b) An eagle (Garuda)
The Gupta rulers maintained a well-organized:
(a) Navy
(b) Cavalry
(c) Infantry
(d) All of the above
Answer: (d) All of the above
The title ‘Parameshvara’ was often adopted by which rulers?
(a) Village heads
(b) Provincial governors
(c) Gupta emperors
(d) Guild leaders
Answer: (c) Gupta emperors
The Gupta administration relied heavily on a class of officials known as:
(a) Amatyas
(b) Senanis
(c) Gramikas
(d) Vaisyas
Answer: (a) Amatyas
The Gupta period saw the development of sophisticated irrigation systems, including:
(a) Canals built by royal decree
(b) Tanks and reservoirs managed at the local level
(c) A centralized water management board
(d) Primarily rain-fed agriculture
Answer: (b) Tanks and reservoirs managed at the local level
The Gupta era witnessed a decline in the practice of:
(a) Temple construction
(b) Idol worship
(c) Animal sacrifices in Brahmanical rituals
(d) Patronage of Buddhist monasteries
Answer: (c) Animal sacrifices in Brahmanical rituals
The Gupta rulers issued inscriptions primarily in which script?
(a) Kharosthi
(b) Brahmi
(c) Greek
(d) Aramaic
Answer: (b) Brahmi
The Gupta period saw the emergence of regional styles in art, but they were all rooted in a common:
(a) Dravidian tradition
(b) Gandhara influence
(c) Gupta idiom
(d) Persian style
Answer: (c) Gupta idiom
The Gupta Empire facilitated greater cultural exchange between North and:
(a) South India
(b) Southeast Asia
(c) Central Asia
(d) East Africa
Answer: (a) South India
The decline of the Gupta Empire led to a period of political fragmentation in North India until the rise of:
(a) The Maurya dynasty again
(b) Harsha’s empire
(c) The Delhi Sultanate
(d) The Mughal Empire
Answer: (b) Harsha’s empire
The Gupta period is notable for its lack of:
(a) Major literary figures
(b) Significant advancements in science
(c) Large-scale public works like the Mauryan era
(d) Religious diversity
Answer: (c) Large-scale public works like the Mauryan era
The Gupta rulers often used matrimonial alliances to secure their political position, a prominent example being Chandragupta I’s marriage to a princess from the:
(a) Lichchhavi clan
(b) Saka dynasty
(c) Kushana family
(d) Vakataka royal house
Answer: (a) Lichchhavi clan
The Gupta period saw the development of sophisticated techniques in the casting of:
(a) Terracotta figurines
(b) Bronze sculptures
(c) Stone reliefs
(d) Wooden carvings
Answer: (b) Bronze sculptures
The Gupta era witnessed the composition of important commentaries on earlier philosophical texts, contributing to the development of various:
(a) Heretical sects
(b) Orthodox schools of thought
(c) Foreign religious influences
(d) Tribal customs
Answer: (b) Orthodox schools of thought
The Gupta period’s influence on art and culture extended beyond its political boundaries, impacting regions in:
(a) Only North India
(b) South India and Southeast Asia
(c) Central Asia and West Asia
(d) Only the Deccan region
Answer: (b) South India and Southeast Asia
The Gupta rulers were patrons of both Brahmanical Hinduism and:
(a) Zoroastrianism
(b) Judaism
(c) Buddhism
(d) Christianity
Answer: (c) Buddhism
The Gupta period saw the compilation of important texts related to:
(a) Veterinary science
(b) Astronomy and mathematics
(c) Law and administration
(d) All of the above
Answer: (d) All of the above
The Gupta style of art is characterized by its:
(a) Emphasis on realism and portraiture
(b) Idealized human forms and spiritual expressions
(c) Ornate decorations and complex narratives
(d) Abstract and symbolic representations
Answer: (b) Idealized human forms and spiritual expressions
The decline of the Gupta Empire created a power vacuum in North India, leading to a period of:
(a) Renewed Mauryan dominance
(b) Constant warfare and political instability
(c) Peaceful transition to a new unified empire
(d) Increased foreign trade and economic prosperity
Answer: (b) Constant warfare and political instability
The legacy of the Gupta period continues to be significant due to its contributions to:
(a) The foundations of modern Indian democracy
(b) The development of classical Indian culture
(c) The establishment of a long-lasting unified Indian state
(d) The complete eradication of foreign influences in India
Answer: (b) The development of classical Indian culture
Which Gupta ruler is known for his musical talents, as depicted on some of his coins?
(a) Chandragupta I
(b) Samudragupta
(c) Chandragupta II
(d) Kumaragupta I
Answer: (b) Samudragupta
The Gupta era saw the development of sophisticated techniques in dyeing and weaving of:
(a) Cotton textiles
(b) Silk fabrics
(c) Woolen garments
(d) All of the above
Answer: (d) All of the above
The Gupta period witnessed the growth of urban centers that served as hubs for:
(a) Primarily religious activities
(b) Trade, commerce, and administration
(c) Large-scale industrial production
(d) Military garrisons
Answer: (b) Trade, commerce, and administration
The Gupta rulers maintained diplomatic relations with which neighboring powers?
(a) Only with other Indian kingdoms
(b) With kingdoms in Southeast Asia and Central Asia
(c) Primarily with China and the Roman Empire
(d) Only with tribal republics in India
Answer: (b) With kingdoms in Southeast Asia and Central Asia
The Gupta period saw advancements in the field of metallurgy, including the use of:
(a) Only iron
(b) Iron, copper, and gold
(c) Primarily bronze
(d) Only silver
Answer: (b) Iron, copper, and gold
The Gupta era witnessed the compilation of digests and commentaries on earlier legal texts, contributing to the evolution of:
(a) Criminal law
(b) Civil law
(c) Religious law
(d) All of the above
Answer: (d) All of the above
The Gupta period’s influence on temple architecture is evident in the early forms of the:
(a) Dravida style
(b) Vesara style
(c) Nagara style
(d) All of the above (primarily Nagara in the north)
Answer: (c) Nagara style
The Gupta rulers promoted the use of Sanskrit in royal courts and:
(a) Only religious ceremonies
(b) Administration, literature, and inscriptions
(c) Primarily trade and commerce
(d) Only military communications
Answer: (b) Administration, literature, and inscriptions
The decline of the Gupta Empire coincided with the rise of powerful regional kingdoms such as the:
(a) Cholas and Pandyas in the south
(b) Pallavas and Chalukyas in the south
(c) Pushyabhutis and Maukharis in the north
(d) All of the above
Answer: (d) All of the above
The Gupta period is remembered for its synthesis of Indian traditions with influences from:
(a) Only Central Asia
(b) Central Asia and Southeast Asia
(c) Primarily the Roman Empire
(d) Only Greece
Answer: (b) Central Asia and Southeast Asia
Which of the following Gupta rulers is known for his efforts in consolidating the empire after the initial Huna invasions?
(a) Kumaragupta I
(b) Skandagupta
(c) Buddhagupta
(d) Vishnugupta
Answer: (b) Skandagupta
The Gupta period saw the development of a more complex social hierarchy with the increasing importance of:
(a) Tribal elders
(b) Foreign settlers
(c) Landed intermediaries and feudal elements
(d) Merchant guilds
Answer: (c) Landed intermediaries and feudal elements
The Gupta era witnessed the flourishing of classical dance forms, which later evolved into styles like:
(a) Kathak and Bharatanatyam
(b) Odissi and Manipuri
(c) Kuchipudi and Sattriya
(d) All of the above
Answer: (d) All of the above (the foundations were laid)
The Gupta rulers often granted land to Brahmins and religious institutions, which contributed to the growth of:
(a) Large-scale agriculture owned by the state
(b) Powerful religious estates
(c) A decline in royal authority over land
(d) Increased social equality
Answer: (b) Powerful religious estates
The Gupta period saw the development of sophisticated astronomical instruments and calculations, building upon earlier knowledge from:
(a) Mesopotamian civilizations
(b) Vedic and Mauryan periods
(c) Greek astronomers
(d) Chinese scholars
Answer: (b) Vedic and Mauryan periods
The Gupta era witnessed the composition of important commentaries on the epics, Mahabharata and Ramayana, contributing to their:
(a) Secularization
(b) Popularization and regional variations
(c) Restriction to the upper castes
(d) Translation into foreign languages
Answer: (b) Popularization and regional variations