The Age of the Guptas

What is the subject matter of the Age of the Guptas?

 The Age of the Guptas marks the period of Gupta rule and the classical age of ancient India.

Who founded the Gupta dynasty?

 Sri Gupta.

Who was the first important ruler of the Gupta dynasty?

 Chandragupta I.

Which title was adopted by Chandragupta I?

 Maharajadhiraja.

Whom did Chandragupta I marry?

 Kumaradevi of the Lichchhavi clan.

What was the significance of Chandragupta I’s marriage alliance?

 It strengthened Gupta political power.

Who succeeded Chandragupta I?

 Samudragupta.

Which source provides information about Samudragupta’s conquests?

 Allahabad Pillar Inscription.

Who composed the Allahabad Pillar Inscription?

 Harisena.

Which Gupta ruler is known as the ‘Napoleon of India’?

 Samudragupta.

What policy did Samudragupta follow towards southern kingdoms?

 Defeat and reinstatement of rulers.

What title was assumed by Samudragupta after military successes?

 Ashvamedha performer.

Which coins commemorate Samudragupta’s Ashvamedha sacrifice?

 Ashvamedha type coins.

Which Gupta ruler was skilled in music and poetry?

 Samudragupta.

Who succeeded Samudragupta?

 Chandragupta II.

Which Gupta ruler is known as Vikramaditya?

 Chandragupta II.

Which foreign power was defeated by Chandragupta II?

 Shakas.

What was the result of Chandragupta II’s victory over the Shakas?

 Expansion of Gupta control over western India.

Which Chinese traveller visited India during Chandragupta II’s reign?

 Fa-Hien.

What information does Fa-Hien provide?

 Information about Gupta administration, society, and Buddhism.

Who succeeded Chandragupta II?

 Kumaragupta I.

Which Gupta ruler founded Nalanda University according to tradition?

 Kumaragupta I.

Who succeeded Kumaragupta I?

 Skandagupta.

Which foreign group invaded during Skandagupta’s reign?

 Hunas.

Which Gupta ruler successfully resisted the Hunas?

 Skandagupta.

What was the capital of the Gupta Empire?

 Pataliputra.

What form of government existed during the Gupta period?

 Monarchical government.

Which title was commonly used by Gupta rulers?

 Maharajadhiraja.

THE AGE OF THE GUPTAS

How was the Gupta Empire administratively divided?

 Into provinces, districts, and villages.

What were provinces called in the Gupta administration?

 Bhuktis.

What were districts called during the Gupta period?

 Vishayas.

Who administered provinces during the Gupta period?

 Uparikas.

Who administered districts during the Gupta period?

 Vishayapatis.

What was the smallest administrative unit during the Gupta period?

 Village.

What was the chief source of revenue during the Gupta period?

 Land revenue.

What economic practice increased during the Gupta period?

 Land grants.

To whom were land grants commonly made during the Gupta period?

 Brahmanas and religious institutions.

Which gold coins were issued by Gupta rulers?

 Dinaras.

What was the economic basis of the Gupta Empire?

 Agriculture, trade, and taxation.

Why is the Gupta Age called the ‘Golden Age of India’?

 Due to achievements in art, literature, science, and culture.

Which language flourished during the Gupta period?

 Sanskrit.

Who wrote Abhijnanasakuntalam?

 Kalidasa.

Who wrote Raghuvamsha?

 Kalidasa.

Who wrote Mrichchhakatika?

 Shudraka.

Which literary work was written by Vishakhadatta?

 Mudrarakshasa.

Which scientific work is associated with Aryabhata?

 Aryabhatiya.

Who propounded the rotation of the earth?

 Aryabhata.

Which mathematical concept is associated with the Gupta period?

 Development of the decimal system.

Who wrote the Brihat Samhita?

 Varahamihira.

Which medical scholars are associated with the Gupta period?

 Charaka and Sushruta.

Which university flourished during the Gupta period?

 Nalanda University.

Which religion received royal patronage during the Gupta period?

 Brahmanism or Hinduism.

Which deities became prominent during the Gupta period?

 Vishnu, Shiva, and Shakti.

What religious development occurred during the Gupta period?

 Growth of temple worship.

What architectural form flourished during the Gupta period?

 Temple architecture.

Name an important temple of the Gupta period.

 Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh.

What artistic feature is associated with Gupta sculpture?

 Grace, balance, and spiritual expression.

Which Buddhist centres flourished during the Gupta period?

 Nalanda and Sarnath.

What is a notable feature of Gupta coinage?

 High-quality gold coins.

What was the social structure during the Gupta period?

 Varna-based social order.

Which institution became stronger during the Gupta period?

 Caste system.

What inscription provides information about Gupta administration and conquests?

 Allahabad Pillar Inscription.

Which script was commonly used during the Gupta period?

 Brahmi script.

Why is the Age of the Guptas significant in Indian history?

 It marked major achievements in polity, economy, literature, science, art, and religion.