The Gupta Empire- Political History, a golden era in ancient Indian history (c. 320-550 CE), was marked by significant political achievements. This powerful dynasty, founded by Sri Gupta, reached its zenith under rulers like Chandragupta I and Samudragupta. The political history of the Gupta Empire witnessed notable administrative reforms, economic prosperity, and cultural advancements, making it a pivotal period in India’s past.
MCQs with Answers and Explanations:
1. Which ruler of the Gupta dynasty adopted the title ‘Kaviraja’?
- Chandragupta I
- Kumargupta
- Samudragupta
- Skandagupta
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Correct Answer: Samudragupta
Samudragupta, the third ruler of the Gupta dynasty, adopted the title ‘Kaviraja,’ which means “King of poets.” This title reflects his support for literature and the arts. He was not only a skilled warrior but also a talented Veena player, demonstrating his multifaceted talents and patronage of art and culture.
2. Which ruler of the Gupta dynasty started the Gupta Era?
- Vishnugupta
- Chandragupta I
- Skandagupta
- Samudragupta
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Correct Answer: Chandragupta I
The Gupta Era began with Chandragupta I in 319-320 AD. He is recognized as the true founder of the Gupta dynasty and held the title “Maharajadhiraja,” meaning “king of kings.” His reign marked the initiation of a significant dynasty that would have a lasting impact on Indian history.
3. Who was the last ruler of the Gupta empire?
- Vishnugupta
- Chandragupta II
- Buddhagupta
- Kumaragupta II
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Correct Answer: Vishnugupta
Vishnugupta was the last ruler of the Gupta empire, and his reign lasted from 540 to 550 CE. His rule marked the decline and eventual end of the Gupta dynasty, signifying the conclusion of a prosperous and influential period in Indian history.
4. Which city served as the capital of the Guptas?
- Taxila
- Pataliputra
- Ujjain
- Mathura
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Correct Answer: Pataliputra
Pataliputra, situated in present-day Bihar, served as the capital city of the Gupta dynasty. It was a thriving political and cultural center during the Gupta era and played a pivotal role in the administration of the empire.
5. Which Gupta emperor was an expert Veena player?
- Sri Gupta
- Samudragupta
- Chandragupta I
- Kumargupta I
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Correct Answer: Samudragupta
Samudragupta, the second ruler of the Gupta dynasty, was renowned for his expertise in playing the Veena and his patronage of art and literature. While he was a great warrior, his support for the arts highlights the cultural richness of the Gupta period.
6. Who was the court poet of Samudragupta?
- Harisena
- Asanga
- Veerasena Saba
- Vasubandhu
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Correct Answer: Harisena
Harisena was the court poet of Samudragupta, and he composed the Prayag-Prasasti inscription, which detailed the achievements of Samudragupta. This inscription provides essential insights into Samudragupta’s military conquests and accomplishments during his reign.
7. Which ruler is known as the ‘Napoleon of India’?
- Samudragupta
- Ashoka
- Chandragupta I
- Skandagupta
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Correct Answer: Samudragupta
Samudragupta is often referred to as the “Napoleon of India” by historians due to his military prowess and his expansion of the Gupta empire through successful military campaigns. His policy of war and conquest significantly shaped the Gupta dynasty.
8. In which inscription are the achievements of Samudragupta mentioned?
- Hathigumpha inscription
- Allahabad Pillar inscription
- Bairut inscription
- Junagarh Pillar inscription
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Correct Answer: Allahabad Pillar inscription
The achievements of Samudragupta are elaborated in the Allahabad Pillar inscription, known as the Prayag-Prasasti inscription. Composed by his court poet Harisena, this inscription offers a comprehensive account of Samudragupta’s military conquests and the territorial extent of the Gupta Empire.
9. Whom did Skandagupta appoint as the Provincial Governor of Saurashtra?
- Virasena
- Parnadatta
- Harisena
- Amarkhaddava
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Correct Answer: Parnadatta
According to the Junagarh inscription, Skandagupta, another Gupta emperor, appointed Parnadatta as the governor (goptri) of Saurashtra. This inscription provides insights into the administrative and territorial aspects of the Gupta dynasty.
10. Under whose reign was the Sudarshan Lake repaired for the second time?
- Kumargupta
- Skandagupta
- Rudradaman
- Parnadatta
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Correct Answer: Parnadatta
he Junagarh inscription mentions the repair of the Sudarshan Lake, an artificial reservoir. This repair was done for the second time during the reign of Skandagupta by his governor Parnadatta. The first repair was carried out by the Shaka ruler Rudradaman I around 150 AD.
11. The Gupta Emperor Chandragupta II was succeeded by whom?
- Kumargupta I
- Skandagupta
- Buddhagupta
- Vishnugupta
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Correct Answer: Kumargupta I
The Gupta Emperor Chandragupta II was succeeded by Kumargupta I in 415 AD. Kumargupta I adopted the title of Mahendraditya and his rule is known for peace and prosperity. He ruled until 455 AD.
12. Who granted permission to the Buddhist king of Ceylon, Meghavarman, to build a monastery at Bodh Gaya?
- Samudragupta
- Kumargupta
- Skandagupta
- Chandragupta II
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Correct Answer: Samudragupta
Samudragupta, a Gupta emperor, granted permission to the Buddhist king of Ceylon, Meghavarman, to build a monastery at Bodh Gaya. This demonstrates his tolerance and compassion towards different religious communities during his rule.
13. Under whose reign did the Chinese traveler Fa-Hien come to India?
- Samudragupta
- Kumargupta I
- Skandagupta
- Chandragupta II
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Correct Answer: Chandragupta II
Fa-Hien, the first Chinese Buddhist traveler and monk, came to India during the reign of Gupta emperor Chandragupta II. He wrote the book “Si-Yu-Ki,” providing detailed accounts of the political and social conditions of the time and the interactions with foreign travelers.
14. Which foreign traveler came to India during the reign of Chandragupta II?
- Hiuen-Tsang
- Fa-Hien
- Megasthenes
- Ibn Batuta
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Correct Answer: Fa-Hien
Fa-Hien, the Chinese Buddhist traveler and monk, came to India during the reign of Gupta emperor Chandragupta II. He wrote the book “Si-Yu-Ki” that provides valuable insights into the political and social conditions of the time.
15. Who defeated the Saka king Rudrasimha III and annexed his kingdom?
- Ramagupta
- Chandragupta II
- Kumargupta I
- Samudragupta
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Correct Answer: Chandragupta II
Chandragupta II defeated the Saka king Rudrasimha III and annexed his kingdom. This significant victory marked the end of Saka-Kshatrapa rule in western India.
16. The gold coins issued during the reign of Chandragupta Vikramaditya were known as _____?
- Dinara
- Couch
- Archer
- Chhatra
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Correct Answer: Dinara
The gold coins issued during the reign of Chandragupta Vikramaditya were known as Dinara. These coins held high value and were widely circulated, reflecting the economic prosperity of the Gupta Empire.
17. Who succeeded Samudragupta as the next ruler of the Gupta Dynasty?
- Chandragupta I
- Chandragupta II
- Vishnugupta
- Mahendra
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Correct Answer: Chandragupta II
Chandragupta II succeeded Samudragupta as the next ruler of the Gupta Dynasty. He was also known by titles like Devgupta, Devraj, and Devshree. He is renowned for his patronage of arts and literature.
18. The Nitisara of Kamandaka, also known as the Kamandakiya-Nitisara, was composed during the period of:
- Satavahana dynasty
- Gupta dynasty
- Kalachuri dynasty
- Nanda dynasty
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Correct Answer: Gupta dynasty
The Nitisara of Kamandaka, also known as the Kamandakiya-Nitisara, was composed during the period of the Gupta dynasty. It is a treatise on politics and governance, drawing inspiration from Kautilya’s Arthashastra.
19. The Allahabad Pillar Inscription gives a detailed account of the reign of which of the following?
- Kanishka
- Samudragupta
- Kumaragupta
- Ashoka
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Correct Answer: Samudragupta
The Allahabad Pillar Inscription, also known as the Prayag Prasasti, provides a detailed account of the reign of Samudragupta. It was composed by his court poet and minister, Harisena, and meticulously outlines Samudragupta’s conquests and the boundaries of the Gupta Empire.
20. Who is referred to as the “Napoleon” of India?
- Maharaja Ghatotkacha
- Chandragupta I
- Samudragupta
- Skandagupta
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Correct Answer: Samudragupta
The historian V. A. Smith has referred to Samudragupta as the “Napoleon” of India due to his policy of war and conquest. Samudragupta undertook military campaigns, expanded the Gupta Empire, and achieved significant victories during his reign.
21. The achievements of Samudragupta are recorded in which of the following inscriptions?
- Topra pillar inscription
- Rummendei inscription
- Junagarh inscription
- Allahabad pillar inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: Allahabad pillar inscription
The achievements of Samudragupta are recorded in a long inscription (eulogy) engraved on the Allahabad pillar, also known as the Prayagaprashasti. This inscription composed by his court poet Harisena provides detailed accounts of Samudragupta’s conquests and the extent of the Gupta Empire.
22. Areas of which of the following modern regions were included in the empire of Chandragupta I?
1. Bihar
2. Uttar Pradesh
3. Bengal
Choose the right option:
- Only 1 and 2
- Only 2 and 3
- Only 1 and 3
- All 1, 2, and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: All 1, 2, and 3
The empire of Chandragupta I included parts of modern Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Bengal. The capital was situated at Pataliputra. Chandragupta I ruled from approximately 319-335/336 CE.
23. Which of the following Gupta Kings followed a policy of war and conquest and enormously enlarged his kingdom?
- Chandragupta I
- Chandragupta II
- Samudragupta
- Kumargupta
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Correct Answer: Samudragupta
Samudragupta, the son of Chandragupta I, ruled from approximately 335/336-375 CE. He delighted in the policy of war and conquest and enormously enlarged his kingdom. He is known for his military achievements and is sometimes referred to as the “Napoleon” of India.
24. Who was the court poet of Samudragupta?
- Banabhatta
- Harishena
- Kalidasa
- Bhavabhuti
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Correct Answer: Harishena
Harishena served as the court poet of Samudragupta. He composed the Prayagaprashasti in pure Sanskrit, which is an eulogy of Samudragupta. Harishena was not only a court poet but also held the position of a kumaramatya, an important minister in the Gupta court.
25. The Prayag Prashasti divides Samudragupta’s opponents into which of the following categories?
1. Rulers slain
2. Frontier kings
3. Rulers defeated
4. Distant kings
Choose the right option:
- Only 1 and 2
- Only 2 and 3
- Only 1, 2, and 3
- All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: Only 1, 2, and 3
The Prayag Prashasti divides Samudragupta’s opponents into three categories: rulers slain, frontier kings, and rulers defeated. These categories reflect the conquests and victories achieved by Samudragupta during his reign.
26. Who was the commander of Samudragupta during his southern campaign?
- Virasena
- Harishena
- Banabhatta
- None of the above
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Correct Answer: Virasena
Virasena served as the commander of Samudragupta during his southern campaign, and the Prayag Prashasti inscription mentions how they, together, defeated twelve South Indian rulers. This campaign marked a significant expansion of the Gupta Empire under Samudragupta’s rule.
27. The great Buddhist philosopher Vasubandhu was one of the ministers of which of the following Gupta kings?
- Chandragupta I
- Kumargupta
- Skandagupta
- Samudragupta
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Correct Answer: Samudragupta
Vasubandhu, the renowned Buddhist philosopher, was one of the ministers in the court of Samudragupta. Although Samudragupta practiced Hinduism, he extended his patronage to various religions, including Buddhism. His reign was marked by religious tolerance, allowing diverse belief systems to thrive.
28. Who founded the Nalanda University?
- Kumargupta
- Chandragupta II
- Skandagupta
- Samudragupta
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Correct Answer: Kumargupta
Kumargupta, who reigned from approximately 415 to 455 CE, is credited with founding the Nalanda University near present-day Patna. This university became a renowned center of learning, attracting scholars from across the world. Kumargupta’s patronage and support contributed to the university’s growth and prominence.
29. Which of the following is the oldest record of Kumargupta’s reign?
- Karandanda inscription
- Mandsor inscription
- Bilsad inscription
- Damodar Copper plate inscriptions
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Correct Answer: Bilsad inscription
The Bilsad inscription, dating back to Gupta year 96 (415 CE), is considered the oldest record of Kumargupta’s reign. This inscription provides valuable historical information about his rule. Other inscriptions, such as the Karandanda, Mandsor, and Damodar Copper plate inscriptions, also shed light on Kumargupta’s era.
30. Ramagupta was the son of which of the following kings?
- Chandragupta I
- Chandragupta II
- Samudragupta
- Kumargupta
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Correct Answer: Samudragupta
Ramagupta was the elder son of Samudragupta and, according to some legends, succeeded his father. However, during his reign, the Gupta Empire faced an invasion by a powerful Shaka king. Chandragupta II eventually overthrew Ramagupta and took the throne.
31. Which of the following is referred to as Chandragupta Vikramaditya?
- Chandragupta I
- Chandragupta II
- Samudragupta
- Skandagupta
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Correct Answer: Chandragupta II
Chandragupta II, also known as Chandragupta Vikramaditya, ruled during the peak of the Gupta Empire. His reign was marked by territorial expansion through conquests and marital alliances with other royal dynasties. He is celebrated for his patronage of arts, literature, and the prosperity of the Gupta Empire.
32. Which of the following was Chandragupta II’s second capital?
- Prayag
- Patliputra
- Ujjain
- Avanti
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Correct Answer: Ujjain
Ujjain served as the second capital of Chandragupta II. His conquests extended the Gupta Empire to the western sea coast, making Ujjain an important city for trade and commerce. It was renowned for its cultural and economic significance during the Gupta period.
33. Which of the following Gupta Kings took the title of Vikramaditya?
- Chandragupta I
- Chandragupta II
- Ramagupta
- Samudragupta
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Correct Answer: Chandragupta II
Chandragupta II adopted the title of Vikramaditya, meaning “the sun of power.” This title symbolized his military successes, alliances, and expansion of the Gupta Empire, contributing to its zenith in prosperity and cultural achievements.
34. Which of the following Gupta kings issued gold coins called dinara?
- Srigupta
- Chandragupta I
- Samudragupta
- Chandragupta II
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Correct Answer: Chandragupta II
Chandragupta II was the Gupta king who issued gold coins known as dinara. These coins held a high value and played a vital role in trade and commerce during the Gupta Empire, indicating the empire’s economic stability.
35. Fa Hien, the famous Chinese traveler, visited India during the reign of which of the following Gupta kings?
- Chandragupta II
- Samudragupta
- Kumargupta
- Skandagupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: Chandragupta II
Fa Hien, the renowned Chinese traveler, visited India during the reign of Chandragupta II. His journey aimed to study Buddhism and explore sacred Buddhist sites. Fa Hien’s detailed accounts provide valuable insights into the social, cultural, and religious aspects of Gupta India.
36. Whose court was adorned by nine famous scholars known as the Navaratnas?
- Chandragupta I
- Chandragupta II
- Samudragupta
- Kumargupta
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Correct Answer: Chandragupta II The court of Chandragupta II at Ujjain included nine famous scholars known as the Navaratnas or the “nine gems.” These scholars, including Kalidasa, made significant contributions to literature, art, and learning, enriching the cultural milieu of the Gupta Empire.
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37. Which of the following were written by Kalidasa?
1. Abhijananashakuntalam
2. Malavikagnimitram
3. Vikramorvasiyam
Choose the right option:
- Only 1 and 2
- Only 2 and 3
- Only 1 and 3
- All 1, 2, and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: All 1, 2, and 3
Kalidasa, one of the Navaratnas, composed famous works such as “Shakuntala,” “Malavikagnimitram,” and “Raghuvamsha.” These plays are celebrated masterpieces in Sanskrit literature and have garnered global recognition.
38. Which of the following are the nine gems of the court of Chandragupta II?
1. Dhanvantri
2. Kalidasa
3. Ghatakarapara
4. Varahamihira
Choose the right option:
- Only 1 and 2
- Only 2 and 3
- Only 1, 2and 3
- Only 1, 2, and 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: Only 1, 2and 3
The nine gems or Navratnas of Chandragupta II’s court included these three individuals along with other notable figures such as Varahamihira. They were renowned for their expertise in various fields and made significant contributions to literature, medicine, astronomy, and other domains.
39. Which of the following adopted the titles of Shakraditya and Mahendraditya?
- Samudragupta
- Chandragupta II
- Kumargupta
- Skandagupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: Kumargupta
Kumargupta I adopted the titles of Shakraditya and Mahendraditya during his reign, which lasted from approximately 415 to 455 CE. He was the son of Chandragupta II and is noted for performing the Ashvamedha sacrifice during his rule, emphasizing his position as a prominent Gupta emperor.
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