The Gupta Empire stands as a beacon of classical Indian civilization, renowned for its administrative prowess and cultural vibrancy. Delving into the annals of ancient history, the Gupta period emerged as a golden age marked by significant advancements in governance, art, and philosophy. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Preliminary Examination meticulously scrutinizes the depth of aspirants’ understanding of this era, probing into its nuanced administrative structures and socio-political dynamics. Through a series of meticulously crafted questions, the UPSC Prelims navigate the corridors of Gupta rule, unraveling the intricacies of its administration, societal structures, and enduring legacies. Embarking on this scholarly journey, aspirants are tasked with unraveling the tapestry of Gupta governance, deciphering its administrative mechanisms, and grasping the essence of an epoch that continues to shape India’s cultural and political landscape.
Q1. In Sanskrit plays written during the Gupta period women and Sudras speak (1995)
(a) Sanskrit
(b) Prakrit
(c) Pali
(d) Sauraseni
Ans. (b)
In Sanskrit dramas of the Gupta era, women and Sudras communicate in Prakrit. Andrew Ollett, an American scholar, suggests that Sanskrit poetry, known as Kavya, finds its roots in Prakrit verses. He notes that Prakrit, aside from being the dominant language in many texts, is also portrayed as the speech of common folk and the majority of women in Sanskrit theatrical performances. In ancient India, Prakrit languages were deemed socially inferior to Sanskrit.
Q2. Who among the following anticipated Newton by declaring that all things gravitate to Earth? (1995)
(a) Aryabhatta
(b) Varahamihira
(c) Buddhagupta
(d) Brahmagupta
Ans. (d)
Brahmagupta, an Indian mathematician and astronomer, predates Newton in proposing that all objects are drawn towards Earth. His notable contributions include the ‘Brahmagupta Siddhanta’, a theoretical work, and the ‘Khandakhadyaka’, a more pragmatic text. He stands as the pioneer in providing the formula for calculating the area of a cyclic quadrilateral.
Q3. Zero was invented by (1995)
(a) Aryabhatta
(b) Varahamihira
(c) Bhaskara I
(d) an unknown Indian
Ans. (d)
An anonymous Indian intellect pioneered the concept of zero. The decimal system is among ancient India’s paramount contributions to civilization, which encompasses the groundbreaking invention of the numeral zero.
Q4. Who among the following is known for his work on medicine during the Gupta period?
(a) Saumilla
(b) Sudraka
(c) Shaunaka
(d) Susrutha
Ans. (d)
Susrutha gained renown for his medical contributions during the Gupta era, notably through his seminal text, the ‘Susrutha Samitha’. Active in the 5th century BC, he was acclaimed as the foremost surgeon of his time. Regarded as the pioneer of Indian surgery, he is hailed as the Father of Indian Medicine.
Q5. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists.
List I List II (1996)
A. Vishakhadatta 1. Medicine
B. Varahamihira 2. Drama
C. Charaka 3. Astronomy
D Brahmagupta 4. Mathematics
Codes
ABCD
(a) 1 3 4 2
(b) 2 1 3 4
(c) 2 3 1 4
(d) 3 4 1 2
Ans. (c)
The correct pairings are A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4. Vishakhadatta, a renowned Sanskrit poet and playwright, followed in the footsteps of Mahakavi Kalidasa. He penned two notable plays, “Mudrarakshasa” and “Devichandragupta.” Varahamihira, an Indian philosopher and astronomer, is renowned for his work “Pancha-Siddhantika,” a synthesis of Greek, Egyptian, Roman, and Indian astronomy. Charaka, a significant figure in Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine and lifestyle, authored the “Charaka Samhita.” Brahmagupta, an Indian mathematician, is known for his seminal works “Brahmasphuta Siddhanta” and “Khandakhadyaka.”
Q6. The silver coins issued by the Guptas were called (1997)
(a) Rupaka
(b) Karshapana
(c) Dinaras
(d) Pana
Ans. (a)
The Guptas coined silver currency known as Rupaka, modeled after the Sakas of Ujjaini, with a weight ranging from 32 to 36 grains.
Q7. Which one of the following ports handled the North Indian trade during the Gupta period?
(a) Tamralipti
(b) Broach
(c) Kalyan
(d) Cambay
Ans. (a)
During the Gupta era, Tamralipti port served as a pivotal hub for North Indian trade. Historians believe it served as the southern terminus of the Mauryan trade route, extending to the South and Southeast regions. Situated near the Rupnarayana river, Tamralipti was an ancient city on the Bay of Bengal, reminiscent of Tamluk in present-day India. It stood as a significant urban center for trade and commerce in ancient India. Additionally, other ports like Broach, Kalyan, and Cambay held prominence during that period.
Q8. Assertion (A) The origin of feudal system in ancient India can be traced to military campaigns.
Reason (R) There was considerable expansion of the feudal system during the Gupta period. (2000)
Codes
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A .
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
Ans. (a)
Both A and R are true. The origin of the feudal system in ancient India can be traced to military campaigns because the feudal lords provided military help to the king during the war. There was considerable expansion of the feudal system during the Gupta period. Feudal armies consisted of a core of highly skilled knights and their household troops, mercenaries hired for the time of the campaign, and feudal levies fulfilling their feudal obligations. Additionally, the term ‘Samanta’ (Feudal lord) came to be applied to those granted land or to subjugated feudatory rulers during this period. R is the correct explanation of A.
Q9. With reference to forced labour (Vishti) in India during the Gupta period, which one of the following statements is correct? (2019)
(a) It was considered a source of income for the state, a sort of tax paid by the people
(b) It was totally absent in the Madhya Pradesh and Kathiawar regions of the Gupta Empire
(c) The forced labourer was entitled to weekly wages
(d) The eldest son of the labourer was sent as the forced labourer
Ans. (a)
Statement (a) accurately describes forced labor (Vishti) in India during the Gupta period. Vishti was regarded as a revenue-generating mechanism for the state, akin to a tax levied on the populace. Throughout the Gupta era, villagers were compelled to engage in Vishti, contributing labor to support the needs of the royal army and administration.
Q10. With reference to the period of Gupta dynasty in ancient India, the towns Ghantasala, Kadura and Chaul were well-known as (2020)
(a) ports handling foreign trade
(b) capitals of powerful kingdoms
(c) places of exquisite stone art and architecture
(d) important Buddhist pilgrimage centres
Ans. (a)
During the Gupta dynasty in ancient India, the towns of Ghantasala, Kadura, and Chaul gained prominence as bustling ports managing foreign trade. The ports of the Gupta era can be categorized into two regions: On the East Coast, Tamralipti, Ghantasala, and Kadura facilitated trade between North India and South-East Asia. On the West Coast, Broach, Chaul, Kalyan, and Cambay engaged in commerce with the Roman Empire and West Asia.
FAQs
Q: What was the significance of the Gupta Empire in Indian history?
The Gupta Empire, reigning from around 320 to 550 CE, is often called the “Golden Age” of ancient India. It witnessed remarkable advancements in art, science, literature, and administration. This era saw the flourishing of Sanskrit literature, the development of the decimal numeral system, and significant contributions to mathematics and astronomy, making it a pivotal period in Indian history.
Q: Who were the notable rulers of the Gupta Empire, and what were their contributions?
Chandragupta I, Samudragupta, and Chandragupta II were among the most renowned Gupta rulers. Chandragupta I laid the foundation of the Gupta Empire. Samudragupta was known for his military conquests and his policy of Dharma, while Chandragupta II, also known as Vikramaditya, fostered a rich cultural and economic environment, epitomizing the Gupta era’s prosperity.
Q: What was the administrative structure of the Gupta Empire?
The Gupta administration was centralized and efficient. It was divided into provinces or Bhuktis, which were further subdivided into Vishayas or districts. The kingdom was governed by a hierarchy of officials, including governors, ministers, and local administrators. The Gupta rulers maintained a well-organized bureaucracy to ensure effective governance across their vast empire.
Q: What were the economic achievements of the Gupta Empire?
The Gupta period witnessed significant economic prosperity, marked by advancements in trade, agriculture, and craftsmanship. The empire’s strategic location along trade routes facilitated commerce with foreign lands, leading to the accumulation of wealth. The Gupta rulers encouraged agriculture through land grants and irrigation projects, fostering agricultural productivity. Additionally, the period saw the flourishing of guilds and artisan communities, contributing to the economy’s vibrancy.
Q: What were the cultural and intellectual achievements during the Gupta period?
The Gupta era was a golden age of Indian culture and intellect. It witnessed remarkable advancements in literature, art, architecture, and philosophy. Sanskrit literature flourished, with notable works such as the plays of Kalidasa and the treatises of Aryabhata in mathematics and astronomy. The period also saw the construction of iconic temples and stupas, showcasing exquisite Gupta architecture. Moreover, the Gupta rulers were patrons of learning, supporting universities and scholars, which further enriched the intellectual landscape of ancient India.
In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.
For UPSC Prelims Resources, Click here
For Daily Updates and Study Material:
Join our Telegram Channel – Edukemy for IAS
- 1. Learn through Videos – here
- 2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs – here
- 3. Daily Newsletter – Get all your Current Affairs Covered – here
- 4. Mains Answer Writing Practice – here
