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.
Incorrect! Try again.
2Which Gupta ruler is popularly known as the 'Napoleon of India'?
A.Skandagupta
B.Chandragupta I
C.Samudragupta
D.Chandragupta II
Correct Answer: Samudragupta
Explanation:
Historian V.A. Smith called Samudragupta the 'Napoleon of India' due to his extensive military conquests and expansionist policy.
Incorrect! Try again.
3The Prayag Prasasti (Allahabad Pillar Inscription) was composed by which court poet?
A.Kalidasa
B.Banabhatta
C.Harisena
D.Ravikirti
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.
Incorrect! Try again.
4Who was the first Gupta ruler to assume the title of Maharajadhiraja?
A.Chandragupta I
B.Ghatotkacha
C.Samudragupta
D.Sri Gupta
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).
Incorrect! Try again.
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.
Incorrect! Try again.
6The famous Iron Pillar at Mehrauli is attributed to which king identified as 'Chandra'?
A.Kumaragupta
B.Chandragupta II
C.Chandragupta Maurya
D.Chandragupta I
Correct Answer: Chandragupta II
Explanation:
The Mehrauli Iron Pillar bears an inscription mentioning a King named 'Chandra', widely accepted by historians as Chandragupta II.
Incorrect! Try again.
7Which Gupta ruler founded the Nalanda University?
A.Skandagupta
B.Chandragupta II
C.Kumaragupta I
D.Samudragupta
Correct Answer: Kumaragupta I
Explanation:
Nalanda University was founded by Kumaragupta I (also known as Shakraditya) in the century CE.
Incorrect! Try again.
8Who successfully repulsed the invasion of the Hunas?
A.Samudragupta
B.Skandagupta
C.Chandragupta I
D.Kumaragupta I
Correct Answer: Skandagupta
Explanation:
Skandagupta faced the Huna invasion immediately after ascending the throne and successfully defeated them, saving the empire temporarily.
Incorrect! Try again.
9In the Gupta administration, the term 'Bhukti' referred to:
A.A province
B.A district
C.A village
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.
Incorrect! Try again.
10The gold coins issued during the Gupta period were called:
A.Rupaka
B.Karshapana
C.Dinar
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.
Incorrect! Try again.
11Who among the following was NOT one of the Navratnas (Nine Gems) of Chandragupta II?
A.Kalidasa
B.Amarsimha
C.Varahamihira
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.
Incorrect! Try again.
12The famous Sanskrit play 'Abhijnana Shakuntalam' was written by:
A.Kalidasa
B.Bhasa
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.
Incorrect! Try again.
13Which Gupta ruler is depicted playing the Veena on his coins?
A.Chandragupta I
B.Chandragupta II
C.Samudragupta
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).
Incorrect! Try again.
14The officer known as 'Sandhivigrahika' in the Gupta administration was responsible for:
A.Revenue collection
B.Religious endowments
C.Royal bodyguards
D.War and Peace (Foreign Affairs)
Correct Answer: War and Peace (Foreign Affairs)
Explanation:
Sandhivigrahika was the Minister of War and Peace. Harisena held this post under Samudragupta.
Incorrect! Try again.
15The Dashavatara Temple, an early example of Nagara style, is located at:
A.Sanchi
B.Bhitargaon
C.Eran
D.Deogarh
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.
Incorrect! Try again.
16The concept of 'Vishti' in the Gupta period referred to:
A.Forced labor
B.Land tax
C.Irrigation tax
D.Gold currency
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.
Incorrect! Try again.
17Who wrote the play 'Mudrarakshasa'?
A.Bharavi
B.Vishakhadatta
C.Bhavabhuti
D.Kalidasa
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.
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.
Incorrect! Try again.
20Who authored the famous lexicon 'Amarakosa'?
A.Dhanvantari
B.Amarasimha
C.Kalidasa
D.Varahamihira
Correct Answer: Amarasimha
Explanation:
Amarasimha, one of the Navratnas in Chandragupta II's court, wrote the Amarakosa, a celebrated Sanskrit thesaurus.
Incorrect! Try again.
21The decline of the Gupta Empire is often attributed to the invasion of:
A.The Shakas
B.The Mongols
C.The Greeks
D.The Hunas
Correct Answer: The Hunas
Explanation:
Repeated invasions by the Hunas (White Huns) from Central Asia severely drained the Gupta treasury and weakened their authority.
Incorrect! Try again.
22Which Gupta ruler married the Lichchhavi princess Kumaradevi?
A.Chandragupta I
B.Chandragupta II
C.Samudragupta
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.
Incorrect! Try again.
23The book 'Brihat Samhita' was written by:
A.Aryabhatta
B.Varahamihira
C.Bhaskara
D.Brahmagupta
Correct Answer: Varahamihira
Explanation:
Varahamihira wrote the Brihat Samhita, an encyclopedic work on astronomy, botany, weather, and architecture.
Incorrect! Try again.
24The famous Sultanganj Buddha is a masterpiece of Gupta art made of:
A.Iron
B.Bronze
C.Stone
D.Terracotta
Correct Answer: Bronze
Explanation:
The Sultanganj Buddha is a massive copper-bronze statue discovered in Bihar, showcasing the metallurgical skill of the Gupta period.
Incorrect! Try again.
25In the Gupta administration, the 'Vishayapati' was the head of:
A.Bhukti (Province)
B.Vishaya (District)
C.Grama (Village)
D.Vithi (Tehsil)
Correct Answer: Vishaya (District)
Explanation:
The provinces were divided into districts called Vishayas, which were governed by an officer known as the Vishayapati.
Incorrect! Try again.
26Who wrote the 'Panchatantra'?
A.Narayana Pandit
B.Gunadhya
C.Somadeva
D.Vishnu Sharma
Correct Answer: Vishnu Sharma
Explanation:
Vishnu Sharma is credited with writing the Panchatantra, a collection of animal fables imparting moral and political wisdom.
Incorrect! Try again.
27The medical text 'Ashtangahridaya' was written by:
A.Sushruta
B.Charaka
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.
Incorrect! Try again.
28What was the main source of royal income during the Gupta period?
A.Land Revenue
B.Fines
C.Trade tariffs
D.Booty from war
Correct Answer: Land Revenue
Explanation:
Land revenue was the principal source of income, generally fixed at of the produce.
Incorrect! Try again.
29The play 'Mrichchhakatika' (The Little Clay Cart) was authored by:
A.Bhasa
B.Harsha
C.Shudraka
D.Kalidasa
Correct Answer: Shudraka
Explanation:
Shudraka wrote Mrichchhakatika, a realistic play depicting the love story of a Brahmin merchant Charudatta and a courtesan Vasantasena.
Incorrect! Try again.
30Which Gupta king performed the Ashvamedha Yajna (Horse Sacrifice)?
A.Samudragupta only
B.Both Samudragupta and Kumaragupta I
C.Chandragupta II
D.Kumaragupta I only
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.
Incorrect! Try again.
31Who was the Huna leader known for his cruelty and persecution of Buddhists?
A.Kanishka
B.Attila
C.Mihirakula
D.Toramana
Correct Answer: Mihirakula
Explanation:
Mihirakula, the son of Toramana, was a Huna ruler known for his extreme cruelty and destruction of Buddhist monasteries.
Incorrect! Try again.
32Which style of temple architecture began to evolve distinctly during the Gupta period?
A.Hoysala
B.Nagara
C.Vesara
D.Dravida
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.
Incorrect! Try again.
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.
Incorrect! Try again.
34Who is the author of 'Kiratarjuniya'?
A.Magha
B.Bhatti
C.Bharavi
D.Dandin
Correct Answer: Bharavi
Explanation:
Bharavi wrote Kiratarjuniya, an epic poem describing the combat between Arjuna and Shiva (in the guise of a Kirata).
Incorrect! Try again.
35What is the script used in the Gupta inscriptions?
A.Aramaic
B.Brahmi
C.Greek
D.Kharoshthi
Correct Answer: Brahmi
Explanation:
The Gupta period inscriptions primarily used the Brahmi script, which had evolved into the 'Gupta Brahmi' or 'Late Brahmi' style.
Incorrect! Try again.
36The Bagh Caves are famous for:
A.Mural paintings similar to Ajanta
B.Jain sculptures
C.Monolithic temples
D.Ashokan edicts
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.
Incorrect! Try again.
37Who assumed the title 'Sakari' (Destroyer of Shakas)?
A.Samudragupta
B.Buddhagupta
C.Chandragupta II
D.Skandagupta
Correct Answer: Chandragupta II
Explanation:
Chandragupta II defeated the Shaka Satraps of Western India and assumed the title Sakari or Vikramaditya.
Incorrect! Try again.
38Which of the following works is NOT by Kalidasa?
A.Meghaduta
B.Raghuvamsha
C.Ratnavali
D.Kumarasambhava
Correct Answer: Ratnavali
Explanation:
Ratnavali is a play attributed to King Harsha (Harshavardhana), not Kalidasa. The other three are famous works by Kalidasa.
Incorrect! Try again.
39The Gupta period is often called the 'Golden Age' of India primarily due to:
A.Spread of Buddhism
B.Military conquests
C.Development in art, literature, and science
D.Introduction of gold coins
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.
Incorrect! Try again.
40The administrative unit 'Grama' was headed by:
A.Kumaramatya
B.Gramika
C.Vishayapati
D.Uparika
Correct Answer: Gramika
Explanation:
The village administration was managed by the Gramika or Gramadhyaksha, assisted by the village council.
Incorrect! Try again.
41Prabhavatigupta, the daughter of Chandragupta II, was married into which dynasty?
A.Kadamba
B.Pallava
C.Vakataka
D.Satavahana
Correct Answer: Vakataka
Explanation:
She was married to Rudrasena II of the Vakataka dynasty. This matrimonial alliance secured the Gupta southern flank.
Incorrect! Try again.
42Which mathematician of the Gupta period declared that the earth rotates on its axis?
A.Brahmagupta
B.Varahamihira
C.Bhaskara I
D.Aryabhatta
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.
Incorrect! Try again.
43The Eran Inscription (510 CE) is historically significant because:
A.It is the longest Sanskrit inscription
B.It describes the conquest of the South
C.It marks the end of the Gupta dynasty
D.It mentions the first epigraphic evidence of Sati
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.
Incorrect! Try again.
44The Srenis in the Gupta period were:
A.Agricultural laborers
B.Religious sects
C.Military battalions
D.Guilds of craftsmen and merchants
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.
Incorrect! Try again.
45Who was the court physician often associated with the 'Navratnas' (though historical dates vary)?
A.Sushruta
B.Patanjali
C.Dhanvantari
D.Charaka
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.
Incorrect! Try again.
46Which of the following was a cause for the decline of the Gupta Empire?
A.Increase in trade with Rome
B.Rise of Feudatories
C.Strong central army
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.
Incorrect! Try again.
47The brick temple at Bhitargaon belongs to which period?
A.Mauryan
B.Chola
C.Gupta
D.Kushan
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.
Incorrect! Try again.
48Who composed the 'Ritusamhara'?
A.Sudraka
B.Kalidasa
C.Dandin
D.Bhasa
Correct Answer: Kalidasa
Explanation:
Ritusamhara (The Gathering of Seasons) is a lyrical poem describing the six seasons, attributed to Kalidasa.
Incorrect! Try again.
49The office of 'Kumaramatya' was:
A.The prince's personal guard
B.The chief priest
C.A high-ranking cadre of officials
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.
Incorrect! Try again.
50The decline of Roman trade in the Gupta period led to the rise of trade with:
A.South East Asia
B.Central Africa
C.South America
D.Northern Europe
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).