The Gupta Empire, a pivotal period in Indian history (c. 4th to 6th century CE), was marked by a flourishing society, rich religious diversity, and prolific literary achievements. The Gupta rulers, known for their patronage of the arts and sciences, created an environment that fostered cultural and intellectual advancements. In this era, social structures evolved, religious practices thrived, and literature attained new heights, leaving a lasting impact on the Indian subcontinent.
MCQs with Answers and Explanations:
1. Which foreign traveler mentions in his memoirs that the Chandalas lived outside the village and had to maintain distance from the upper castes?
- Hiuen-Tsang
- Fa-Hien
- Ptolemy
- I-tsing
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Correct Answer: Fa-Hien
Fa-Hien, the Chinese traveler, noted in his memoirs that Chandalas lived outside the village and had to maintain a distance from the upper castes. Chandalas were required to announce their arrival by striking a piece of wood to avoid contact with others and prevent pollution, reflecting the hierarchical social norms of the time.
2. Which text mentions that water touched by an untouchable is seen as unfit for consumption by higher castes?
- Acharakkovai
- Buddhacharita
- Mahabhashya
- Mrichakatika
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Correct Answer: Acharakkovai
The text Acharakkovai mentioned that water touched by an untouchable, also known as Pulaiya, was considered unfit for consumption by higher-caste individuals. Even glancing at a Pulaiya was believed to pollute the upper castes, illustrating the rigid caste-based social structure prevalent during the Gupta period.
3. Which of the following empires assigned a sub-caste to foreigners?
- Gupta Empire
- Kushana Empire
- Maurya Empire
- Magadha Empire
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Correct Answer: Gupta Empire
During the Gupta rule, foreigners who were assimilated into Indian society were assigned a sub-caste. This was particularly true for various foreign ruling families of the pre-Gupta period, who were given semi-Kshatriya status, showcasing the system’s flexibility in incorporating newcomers.
4. Which of the following allowed the absorption of Tribal communities into Brahminical society?
- Gupta Empire
- Kushana Empire
- Maurya Empire
- Magadha Empire
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Correct Answer: Gupta Empire
The Gupta Empire expanded Brahminical culture to distant areas and assimilated tribal communities into the Brahminical social structure. Tribal leaders were included as Kshatriyas, while ordinary tribals were granted the status of Shudras, indicating social changes and Brahminical influence.
5. During which period did the social and economic status of Shudras improve?
- Maurya Empire
- Gupta Empire
- Magadha Empire
- Kushana Empire
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Correct Answer: Gupta Empire
The social and economic status of Shudras improved during the Gupta period. They were allowed to listen to epics like the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and the Puranas, and were permitted to perform certain rituals. This represents a significant shift in the social acceptance of Shudras.
6. During the Gupta period, which god were the Shudras allowed to worship?
- Indra
- Agni
- Krishna
- Vishnu
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Correct Answer: Krishna
During the Gupta period, Shudras were allowed to worship a new god called Krishna, demonstrating the expansion of religious practices and the inclusion of new deities in the religious landscape.
7. Which text mentions fifteen types of slaves?
- Mrichakatika
- Narada Smriti
- Acharakkovai
- Buddhacharita
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Correct Answer: Narada Smriti
The Narada Smriti mentions fifteen types of slaves and discusses their roles as domestic servants. These slaves included prisoners of war, debt bondsmen, and those who voluntarily became enslaved, giving insights into the institution of slavery during the Gupta era.
8. Which of the following periods saw the emergence of Tantrism?
- Magadha period
- Gupta period
- Kushana period
- Mauryan period
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Correct Answer: Gupta period
Tantrism emerged during the Gupta period, resulting from the assimilation of tribal elements into Brahminical society and the blending of Brahminical religion with tribal practices. This marked the development of Tantrism, a distinct religious and philosophical tradition.
9. In which century were the two great epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, compiled?
- 4th century CE
- 6th century CE
- 1st century CE
- 3rd century CE
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Correct Answer: 4th century CE
The Gupta period saw the compilation of the two great epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, in the 4th century CE. These epics are considered some of the most significant literary works in Indian history, and they played a pivotal role in shaping Indian culture and mythology.
10. During which period was Sanskrit firmly established as the language of royal inscriptions?
- Gupta Empire
- Kushana Empire
- Maurya Empire
- Magadha Empire
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Correct Answer: Gupta Empire
During the Gupta period, Sanskrit became firmly established as the language of royal inscriptions. This period witnessed the consolidation of Brahmanical ideology and the popularity of temple-based sectarian cults, solidifying the role of Sanskrit in religious and cultural contexts.
11. Which kings proclaimed themselves as Bhagavatas?
- Gupta Kings
- Kushana Kings
- Mauryan Kings
- Vakataka Kings
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Correct Answer:Gupta Kings
The Gupta kings proclaimed themselves as Bhagavatas, emphasizing their devotion to the deity Bhagavat, which is often associated with Vishnu. The emblem of Bhagavata was Garuda, symbolizing their spiritual alignment.
12. During which period did the worship of composite deities such as Hari-Hara emerge?
- Magadha period
- Gupta period
- Kushana period
- Mauryan period
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Correct Answer: Gupta period
The Gupta period witnessed the emergence of composite deities like Hari-Hara, combining aspects of Vishnu and Shiva. This period also exemplified religious syncretism, with Buddha being considered one of the ten avatars of Vishnu, showcasing the blending of various religious traditions.
13. Which place developed as a great center of education for Mahayana Buddhism during the Gupta period?
- Taxila
- Nalanda
- Ujjain
- Patliputra
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Correct Answer: Nalanda
During the Gupta period, Nalanda emerged as a renowned center of education, particularly for Mahayana Buddhism. It attracted students from various countries and became a vital seat of learning and religious scholarship.
14. Which Puranas were written during the Gupta period?
1) Vishnu Purana
2) Vayu Purana
3) Matsya Purana
Choose the right option:
- Only 1 and 2
- Only 2 and 3
- Only 1 and 3
- All of the above
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Correct Answer: All of the above
The major Puranas written during the Gupta period, such as the Vishnu Purana, Vayu Purana, and Matsya Purana, contributed to the preservation of religious and mythological narratives of ancient India.
15. Which of the following works are attributed to Kalidasa?
1. Meghaduta
2. Abhijyanashakuntalam
3. Mrichchhkatikam
Choose the right option:
- Only 1 and 2
- Only 2 and 3
- Only 1 and 3
- None of the above
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Correct Answer: Only 1 and 2
Kalidasa, the renowned poet and dramatist, is known for works such as Meghaduta, Abhijyanashakuntalam, Kumarasambhavam, and Raghuvamsha. Mrichchhkatikam, on the other hand, was composed by Shudraka.
16. Who is the writer of the play Mrichchhkatikam?
- Kalidasa
- Shudraka
- Vishakhadatta
- Dandin
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Correct Answer: Shudraka
The play Mrichchhkatikam, meaning “a little clay cart,” was written by Shudraka. It portrays the love affair between a poor Brahmana and the beautiful daughter of a courtesan.
17. Which Dharmashastra texts were composed during the Gupta period?
1) Yajnavalkya
2) Katyayana
3) Narada
Choose the right option:
- Only 1 and 2
- Only 2 and 3
- Only 1 and 3
- All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: All of the above
Several Dharmashastra texts, including Yajnavalkya, Katyayana, and Narada, were composed during the Gupta period, which is known as the Golden Age of art and literature in ancient India.
18. Which Dharmashastra is a book on statecraft?
- Yajnavalkya
- Katyayana
- Narada
- Nitisara
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Correct Answer: Nitisara
amandaka’s Nitisara, a book on statecraft, was compiled during the Gupta period. It is a treatise that provides guidance on governance and statecraft, offering valuable insights into the political and administrative systems of ancient India.
19. Which poet’s works were translated into many European languages?
- Kalidasa
- Surdas
- Shudraka
- Bharavi
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Correct Answer: Kalidasa
Kalidasa, one of the Navratnas (Nine Gems) in the court of Chandragupta II, was a celebrated classical Sanskrit poet and playwright. His works, such as Meghaduta, Abhijyanashakuntalam, Kumarasambhavam, and Raghuvamsha, are renowned for their literary brilliance. They often incorporate elements of humor and poetic beauty, making Kalidasa one of the most famous poets in Indian literature.
20. Who is the author of Mudrarakshasa and Devichandraguptam?
- Shudraka
- Bhasa
- Vishakhadatta
- Dandin
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Correct Answer: Vishakhadatta
Vishakhadatta, an Indian Sanskrit poet and playwright, is the author of two notable works: Mudrarakshasa and Devichandraguptam. Mudrarakshasa is a historical play that portrays the political intrigues and events during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya. Devichandraguptam focuses on the life and reign of Chandragupta II. These works are significant contributions to ancient Indian literature and provide insights into historical events and royal courts.
21. Who is the author of the Panchatantra?
- Bhasa
- Vishnusharman
- Kalidasa
- Vishakhadatta
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Correct Answer: Vishnusharman
Vishnusharman is the author of the Panchatantra, a collection of ancient Indian fables. The Panchatantra offers moral and practical guidance through animal stories and is known for its elegant prose style with interspersed witty verses. It is a timeless work that imparts wisdom through engaging narratives.
22. Which of the following is a poem describing the cycle of seasons?
- Raghuvamsha
- Ritusamhara
- Kumarasambhavam
- None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: Ritusamhara
Kalidasa’s works are diverse and include Ritusamhara, which beautifully describes the changing moods and characteristics of each season. Kumarasambhavam narrates the story of the birth of Shiva and Parvati’s son, Kartikeya, and Raghuvamsha traces the lineage of the Raghu dynasty, with Lord Rama being one of its prominent figures. These works showcase Kalidasa’s mastery of poetry and storytelling.
23. Who is the writer of the Sanskrit kavya Kiratarjuniya, composed in the 6th century?
- Amarshima
- Bharavi
- Kalidasa
- Bhasa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: Bharavi
Bharavi, a poet of the 6th century, is the author of the Sanskrit kavya (epic poem) titled Kiratarjuniya. This epic depicts the combat between Arjuna, a hero of the Mahabharata, and Lord Shiva in the form of a kirata, a mountain-dwelling hunter. Bharavi’s work is celebrated for its vivid descriptions and poetic excellence.
24. Who is the writer of Kavyadarshana and Dasakumaracharita?
- Kalidasa
- Vishakhadatta
- Bharavi
- Dandin
Show Answer
Correct Answer: Dandin
Dandin was a prolific writer during the Gupta period. He is known for works such as Kavyadarshana and Dasakumaracharita. Kavyadarshana is a treatise on poetics, offering insights into the art of Sanskrit poetry, while Dasakumaracharita is a work of prose romance. Dandin’s contributions to literature and grammar are highly regarded.
25. Who was the author of the Sanskrit lexicon Amarakosha?
- Dandin
- Amarshimha
- Kalidasa
- Bhasa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: Amarshimha
Amarshimha was the author of the Sanskrit lexicon Amarakosha. His work served as an important reference for understanding the meaning and usage of Sanskrit words. Amarshimha is said to have been one of the nine gems that adorned the court of Vikramaditya, also known as Chandragupta Vikramaditya, illustrating his significant role in the literary and intellectual landscape of the time.
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