Explanation:Sri Gupta is considered the founder of the Gupta Dynasty, reigning from approximately $240$ CE to $280$ CE. He was succeeded by his son Ghatotkacha.
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2Which Gupta ruler is popularly known as the 'Napoleon of India'?
A.Chandragupta I
B.Chandragupta II
C.Samudragupta
D.Skandagupta
Correct Answer: Samudragupta
Explanation:Historian V.A. Smith called Samudragupta the 'Napoleon of India' due to his extensive military conquests and expansionist policy.
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3The Prayag Prasasti (Allahabad Pillar Inscription) was composed by which court poet?
A.Kalidasa
B.Harisena
C.Ravikirti
D.Banabhatta
Correct Answer: Harisena
Explanation:Harisena was the court poet and minister of Samudragupta. He composed the Prayag Prasasti, which details the military achievements of the king.
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4Who was the first Gupta ruler to assume the title of Maharajadhiraja?
A.Sri Gupta
B.Ghatotkacha
C.Chandragupta I
D.Samudragupta
Correct Answer: Chandragupta I
Explanation:Chandragupta I was the first independent and powerful ruler of the dynasty to assume the grand title of Maharajadhiraja (King of Kings).
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5Which Chinese pilgrim visited India during the reign of Chandragupta II?
A.Hiuen Tsang
B.Fa-Hien
C.I-Tsing
D.Megasthenes
Correct Answer: Fa-Hien
Explanation:Fa-Hien (Faxian) visited India during the reign of Chandragupta II ( CE) to collect Buddhist texts.
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6The famous Iron Pillar at Mehrauli is attributed to which king identified as 'Chandra'?
A.Chandragupta Maurya
B.Chandragupta I
C.Chandragupta II
D.Kumaragupta
Correct Answer: Chandragupta II
Explanation:The Mehrauli Iron Pillar bears an inscription mentioning a King named 'Chandra', widely accepted by historians as Chandragupta II.
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7Which Gupta ruler founded the Nalanda University?
A.Samudragupta
B.Chandragupta II
C.Kumaragupta I
D.Skandagupta
Correct Answer: Kumaragupta I
Explanation:Nalanda University was founded by Kumaragupta I (also known as Shakraditya) in the century CE.
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8Who successfully repulsed the invasion of the Hunas?
A.Chandragupta I
B.Samudragupta
C.Kumaragupta I
D.Skandagupta
Correct Answer: Skandagupta
Explanation:Skandagupta faced the Huna invasion immediately after ascending the throne and successfully defeated them, saving the empire temporarily.
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9In the Gupta administration, the term 'Bhukti' referred to:
A.A village
B.A district
C.A province
D.A measure of land
Correct Answer: A province
Explanation:The empire was divided into provinces known as Bhuktis, which were placed under the charge of an Uparika.
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10The gold coins issued during the Gupta period were called:
A.Rupaka
B.Dinar
C.Karshapana
D.Nishka
Correct Answer: Dinar
Explanation:The Gupta gold coins were known as Dinars (derived from the Roman Denarius), while silver coins were often called Rupakas.
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11Who among the following was NOT one of the Navratnas (Nine Gems) of Chandragupta II?
A.Kalidasa
B.Varahamihira
C.Amarsimha
D.Aryabhatta
Correct Answer: Aryabhatta
Explanation:While Aryabhatta was a contemporary great mathematician of the Gupta period, he is not traditionally listed as one of the nine specific courtiers (Navratnas) of Chandragupta II.
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12The famous Sanskrit play 'Abhijnana Shakuntalam' was written by:
A.Bhasa
B.Kalidasa
C.Shudraka
D.Vishakhadatta
Correct Answer: Kalidasa
Explanation:Kalidasa, the greatest poet and playwright of the Gupta period, wrote Abhijnana Shakuntalam, which tells the story of King Dushyanta and Shakuntala.
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13Which Gupta ruler is depicted playing the Veena on his coins?
A.Chandragupta I
B.Samudragupta
C.Chandragupta II
D.Kumaragupta
Correct Answer: Samudragupta
Explanation:Samudragupta was a patron of arts and music. One of his coin types depicts him sitting on a couch and playing the Veena (lyre).
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14The officer known as 'Sandhivigrahika' in the Gupta administration was responsible for:
A.Revenue collection
B.War and Peace (Foreign Affairs)
C.Religious endowments
D.Royal bodyguards
Correct Answer: War and Peace (Foreign Affairs)
Explanation:Sandhivigrahika was the Minister of War and Peace. Harisena held this post under Samudragupta.
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15The Dashavatara Temple, an early example of Nagara style, is located at:
A.Bhitargaon
B.Deogarh
C.Sanchi
D.Eran
Correct Answer: Deogarh
Explanation:The Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh (Uttar Pradesh) is one of the finest extant examples of Gupta architecture and early Nagara style shikhara.
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16The concept of 'Vishti' in the Gupta period referred to:
A.Forced labor
B.Land tax
C.Gold currency
D.Irrigation tax
Correct Answer: Forced labor
Explanation:Vishti was forced labor extracted by the state or feudal lords from the common people, which became more prevalent during the Gupta period.
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17Who wrote the play 'Mudrarakshasa'?
A.Vishakhadatta
B.Kalidasa
C.Bhavabhuti
D.Bharavi
Correct Answer: Vishakhadatta
Explanation:Vishakhadatta wrote Mudrarakshasa, a historical play narrating the ascent of Chandragupta Maurya to power with the help of Chanakya, though written in the Gupta period.
Explanation:Written by Aryabhatta, the Aryabhatiya covers arithmetic, algebra, and astronomy, including the concept of zero and the rotation of the earth.
Explanation:The paintings in the Ajanta Caves (many from the Gupta period) primarily depict the Jataka tales, which are stories about the previous lives of the Buddha.
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20Who authored the famous lexicon 'Amarakosa'?
A.Kalidasa
B.Amarasimha
C.Varahamihira
D.Dhanvantari
Correct Answer: Amarasimha
Explanation:Amarasimha, one of the Navratnas in Chandragupta II's court, wrote the Amarakosa, a celebrated Sanskrit thesaurus.
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21The decline of the Gupta Empire is often attributed to the invasion of:
A.The Greeks
B.The Shakas
C.The Hunas
D.The Mongols
Correct Answer: The Hunas
Explanation:Repeated invasions by the Hunas (White Huns) from Central Asia severely drained the Gupta treasury and weakened their authority.
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22Which Gupta ruler married the Lichchhavi princess Kumaradevi?
A.Chandragupta I
B.Samudragupta
C.Chandragupta II
D.Ghatotkacha
Correct Answer: Chandragupta I
Explanation:Chandragupta I married Kumaradevi of the powerful Lichchhavi clan, which helped him establish his political power. He issued coins jointly with her.
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23The book 'Brihat Samhita' was written by:
A.Aryabhatta
B.Varahamihira
C.Brahmagupta
D.Bhaskara
Correct Answer: Varahamihira
Explanation:Varahamihira wrote the Brihat Samhita, an encyclopedic work on astronomy, botany, weather, and architecture.
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24The famous Sultanganj Buddha is a masterpiece of Gupta art made of:
A.Stone
B.Terracotta
C.Bronze
D.Iron
Correct Answer: Bronze
Explanation:The Sultanganj Buddha is a massive copper-bronze statue discovered in Bihar, showcasing the metallurgical skill of the Gupta period.
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25In the Gupta administration, the 'Vishayapati' was the head of:
A.Bhukti (Province)
B.Vishaya (District)
C.Vithi (Tehsil)
D.Grama (Village)
Correct Answer: Vishaya (District)
Explanation:The provinces were divided into districts called Vishayas, which were governed by an officer known as the Vishayapati.
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26Who wrote the 'Panchatantra'?
A.Vishnu Sharma
B.Narayana Pandit
C.Gunadhya
D.Somadeva
Correct Answer: Vishnu Sharma
Explanation:Vishnu Sharma is credited with writing the Panchatantra, a collection of animal fables imparting moral and political wisdom.
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27The medical text 'Ashtangahridaya' was written by:
A.Charaka
B.Sushruta
C.Vagbhata
D.Dhanvantari
Correct Answer: Vagbhata
Explanation:Vagbhata is one of the most influential writers of Ayurveda. He wrote the Ashtangahridaya during the post-Gupta/late Gupta period.
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28What was the main source of royal income during the Gupta period?
A.Fines
B.Land Revenue
C.Booty from war
D.Trade tariffs
Correct Answer: Land Revenue
Explanation:Land revenue was the principal source of income, generally fixed at of the produce.
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29The play 'Mrichchhakatika' (The Little Clay Cart) was authored by:
A.Kalidasa
B.Shudraka
C.Bhasa
D.Harsha
Correct Answer: Shudraka
Explanation:Shudraka wrote Mrichchhakatika, a realistic play depicting the love story of a Brahmin merchant Charudatta and a courtesan Vasantasena.
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30Which Gupta king performed the Ashvamedha Yajna (Horse Sacrifice)?
A.Samudragupta only
B.Kumaragupta I only
C.Both Samudragupta and Kumaragupta I
D.Chandragupta II
Correct Answer: Both Samudragupta and Kumaragupta I
Explanation:Coins and inscriptions confirm that both Samudragupta and his grandson Kumaragupta I performed the Ashvamedha sacrifice to assert imperial sovereignty.
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31Who was the Huna leader known for his cruelty and persecution of Buddhists?
A.Toramana
B.Mihirakula
C.Attila
D.Kanishka
Correct Answer: Mihirakula
Explanation:Mihirakula, the son of Toramana, was a Huna ruler known for his extreme cruelty and destruction of Buddhist monasteries.
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32Which style of temple architecture began to evolve distinctly during the Gupta period?
A.Dravida
B.Nagara
C.Vesara
D.Hoysala
Correct Answer: Nagara
Explanation:The Nagara style of temple architecture (prominent in North India) found its origins in the structural temples of the Gupta period.
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33The term 'Agrahara' refers to:
A.Land granted to Brahmins
B.A military camp
C.A royal palace
D.A type of tax
Correct Answer: Land granted to Brahmins
Explanation:Agrahara grants were tax-free land grants given to Brahmins and religious institutions, a practice that increased significantly under the Guptas.
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34Who is the author of 'Kiratarjuniya'?
A.Bharavi
B.Magha
C.Dandin
D.Bhatti
Correct Answer: Bharavi
Explanation:Bharavi wrote Kiratarjuniya, an epic poem describing the combat between Arjuna and Shiva (in the guise of a Kirata).
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35What is the script used in the Gupta inscriptions?
A.Kharoshthi
B.Brahmi
C.Greek
D.Aramaic
Correct Answer: Brahmi
Explanation:The Gupta period inscriptions primarily used the Brahmi script, which had evolved into the 'Gupta Brahmi' or 'Late Brahmi' style.
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36The Bagh Caves are famous for:
A.Jain sculptures
B.Mural paintings similar to Ajanta
C.Ashokan edicts
D.Monolithic temples
Correct Answer: Mural paintings similar to Ajanta
Explanation:The Bagh Caves in Madhya Pradesh contain mural paintings that are stylistically very similar to those of Ajanta, reflecting Gupta art.
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37Who assumed the title 'Sakari' (Destroyer of Shakas)?
A.Samudragupta
B.Chandragupta II
C.Skandagupta
D.Buddhagupta
Correct Answer: Chandragupta II
Explanation:Chandragupta II defeated the Shaka Satraps of Western India and assumed the title Sakari or Vikramaditya.
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38Which of the following works is NOT by Kalidasa?
A.Raghuvamsha
B.Meghaduta
C.Kumarasambhava
D.Ratnavali
Correct Answer: Ratnavali
Explanation:Ratnavali is a play attributed to King Harsha (Harshavardhana), not Kalidasa. The other three are famous works by Kalidasa.
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39The Gupta period is often called the 'Golden Age' of India primarily due to:
A.Military conquests
B.Development in art, literature, and science
C.Introduction of gold coins
D.Spread of Buddhism
Correct Answer: Development in art, literature, and science
Explanation:While they had military success and gold coins, the designation 'Golden Age' refers to the unparalleled flowering of Sanskrit literature, art, architecture, mathematics, and astronomy.
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40The administrative unit 'Grama' was headed by:
A.Gramika
B.Vishayapati
C.Uparika
D.Kumaramatya
Correct Answer: Gramika
Explanation:The village administration was managed by the Gramika or Gramadhyaksha, assisted by the village council.
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41Prabhavatigupta, the daughter of Chandragupta II, was married into which dynasty?
A.Vakataka
B.Pallava
C.Kadamba
D.Satavahana
Correct Answer: Vakataka
Explanation:She was married to Rudrasena II of the Vakataka dynasty. This matrimonial alliance secured the Gupta southern flank.
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42Which mathematician of the Gupta period declared that the earth rotates on its axis?
A.Varahamihira
B.Aryabhatta
C.Brahmagupta
D.Bhaskara I
Correct Answer: Aryabhatta
Explanation:Aryabhatta, in his Aryabhatiya, famously proposed that the earth rotates on its own axis, explaining the daily rising and setting of stars.
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43The Eran Inscription (510 CE) is historically significant because:
A.It mentions the first epigraphic evidence of Sati
B.It describes the conquest of the South
C.It is the longest Sanskrit inscription
D.It marks the end of the Gupta dynasty
Correct Answer: It mentions the first epigraphic evidence of Sati
Explanation:The Eran inscription of Bhanugupta provides the first physical evidence (epigraphic record) of the practice of Sati.
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44The Srenis in the Gupta period were:
A.Religious sects
B.Guilds of craftsmen and merchants
C.Military battalions
D.Agricultural laborers
Correct Answer: Guilds of craftsmen and merchants
Explanation:Srenis were powerful guilds of traders, artisans, and craftsmen that operated with their own laws and even issued coins/seals.
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45Who was the court physician often associated with the 'Navratnas' (though historical dates vary)?
A.Charaka
B.Dhanvantari
C.Sushruta
D.Patanjali
Correct Answer: Dhanvantari
Explanation:Dhanvantari is traditionally listed as one of the Navratnas in the court of Vikramaditya (Chandragupta II) and is considered the God of Medicine.
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46Which of the following was a cause for the decline of the Gupta Empire?
A.Rise of Feudatories
B.Strong central army
C.Increase in trade with Rome
D.Alliance with Vakatakas
Correct Answer: Rise of Feudatories
Explanation:The rise of powerful feudatories (Yashodharman, Maukharis, etc.) who declared independence contributed significantly to the fragmentation and decline of the empire.
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47The brick temple at Bhitargaon belongs to which period?
A.Mauryan
B.Gupta
C.Kushan
D.Chola
Correct Answer: Gupta
Explanation:The Bhitargaon temple in Uttar Pradesh is one of the oldest remaining terracotta/brick Hindu shrines with a shikhara, dating to the Gupta period.
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48Who composed the 'Ritusamhara'?
A.Kalidasa
B.Bhasa
C.Dandin
D.Sudraka
Correct Answer: Kalidasa
Explanation:Ritusamhara (The Gathering of Seasons) is a lyrical poem describing the six seasons, attributed to Kalidasa.
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49The office of 'Kumaramatya' was:
A.A high-ranking cadre of officials
B.The prince's personal guard
C.The chief priest
D.The head of the cavalry
Correct Answer: A high-ranking cadre of officials
Explanation:Kumaramatyas were high-ranking officials who could hold various portfolios (like minister of war, district head, etc.) and formed the backbone of the Gupta bureaucracy.
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50The decline of Roman trade in the Gupta period led to the rise of trade with:
A.South East Asia
B.Central Africa
C.Northern Europe
D.South America
Correct Answer: South East Asia
Explanation:As trade with the Roman Empire declined (partly due to the Huna disruption of silk routes), Indian merchants increasingly focused on maritime trade with South East Asia (Suvarnabhumi).
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