Gupta Polity, Economy, and Numismatics hold a pivotal place in Indian history, representing a golden era of cultural and economic prosperity. This era, marked by the Gupta dynasty’s rule (circa 4th to 6th century CE), witnessed significant developments in governance, economic systems, and coinage. Understanding Gupta polity involves exploring their administrative structure, while delving into the economic facets sheds light on trade, agriculture, and taxation. The numismatic aspect unveils the intricacies of Gupta coinage, reflecting the economic vibrancy and cultural nuances of the time.
MCQs with Answers and Explanations:
1. Who was the head of deshas in the Gupta empire?
- Uparika
- Vishayapati
- Gramika
- Rajyadhikritas
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Correct Answer: Uparika
The Gupta Empire was divided into provinces known as deshas, Rashtra, or Bhuktis. Each province was headed by an official referred to as the Uparika, who was directly appointed by the king. The Uparika held administrative authority over the province and played a crucial role in governance.
2. Who was the head of the district during the Gupta period?
- Vishayapati
- Uparika
- Maha Dandanayaka
- Mahasandhivigrahika
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Correct Answer: Vishayapati
Within the provinces, the territories were further divided into districts known as Pradeshas or Vishayas. Each district was under the charge of a Vishayapati, responsible for governing and managing the affairs of the district. This administrative structure facilitated efficient local governance.
3. In which part of India were the vishayas divided into Vithis?
- Eastern India
- Western India
- Southern India
- Northern India
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Correct Answer: Eastern India
In eastern India during the Gupta period, the Vishayas were subdivided into Vithis, which, in turn, were further divided into villages. The administration of villages was overseen by the Gramadhyaksha or Gramika, who was aided by village elders. This hierarchical system ensured the efficient administration of local areas.
4. During which period were civil and criminal laws clearly demarcated?
- Kushan period
- Shunga period
- Mauryan period
- Gupta period
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Correct Answer: Gupta period
The Gupta period saw the development of a more sophisticated judicial system. Distinct civil and criminal laws were established. Civil law focused on property disputes, while criminal law addressed offenses such as theft and adultery. This development in the legal system allowed for more orderly resolution of disputes and the imposition of appropriate punishments for criminal acts.
5. Who was the most important officer under the Guptas?
- Sarvadhyaksha
- Mantri
- Paramabhagavata
- Mahadandanayaka
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Correct Answer: Mahadandanayaka
The most important officer in the Gupta administration was the Mahadandanayaka, who served as the chief judicial officer. Harisena’s inscription on the Allahabad pillar mentions that Samudragupta served as both Mahadandanayaka and Mahasandhivigrahika, highlighting the significance of these roles in the administration.
6. Which ruler served as both Mahadandanayaka and Mahasandhivigrahika?
- Chandragupta I
- Samudragupta
- Skandagupta
- Chandragupta II
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Correct Answer: Samudragupta
Harisena, the composer of the Allahabad pillar inscription of Samudragupta, mentions that Samudragupta served as both Mahadandanayaka (chief judicial officer) and Mahasandhivigrahika (minister for war and peace). This indicates his important roles in the Gupta administration.
7. During which period were elaborate laws laid down about inheritance?
- Shunga period
- Kushan period
- Mauryan period
- Gupta period
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Correct Answer: Gupta period
The Gupta period was marked by the establishment of detailed laws regarding inheritance. These laws were based on the varna (caste) hierarchy prevalent in society. The administration paid significant attention to legal matters, particularly inheritance regulations, to maintain social order and fairness.
8. What was a type of cess for the maintenance of rites during the Gupta period?
- Uparikara
- Mahapratihara
- Vata-Bhuta
- Udranga
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Correct Answer: Vata-Bhuta
Vata-Bhuta was a form of tax or cess collected during the Gupta period. It was aimed at supporting religious rituals and ceremonies associated with natural forces, particularly those performed for the winds and spirits. This taxation was directed towards maintaining religious traditions and practices.
9. What did “Kshetra” refer to during the Gupta period?
- Cultivatable land
- Waste land
- Jungle or forest land
- Habitable land
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Correct Answer: Cultivatable land
The term “Kshetra” during the Gupta period referred to cultivatable land. The administration focused on bringing extensive areas of uncultivated land under agricultural use and improving existing farming practices. This agricultural development was crucial for sustaining the empire’s economy.
10. What does “Gapata Sarah” refer to?
- Waste land
- Jungle or forest land
- Habitable land
- Pasture land
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Correct Answer: Pasture land
“Gapata Sarah” denoted pasture land during the Gupta period. It referred to areas of land suitable for grazing livestock, emphasizing the significance of both agriculture and animal husbandry in the economic structure of the empire.
11. Who was the commander-in-chief of the army during the Gupta period?
- Mahasandhivigrahika
- Mahabaladhikrita
- Uparika
- Vishayapati
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Correct Answer: Mahabaladhikrita
The commander-in-chief of the Gupta army held the position of Mahabaladhikrita. This high-ranking officer was responsible for the administration of the military and the oversight of military operations. They played a pivotal role in maintaining the defense and security of the Gupta empire.
12. What was the tax imposed on temporary tenants during the Gupta period?
- Uparikara
- Mahapratihara
- Udranga
- Vata-Bhuta
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Correct Answer: Uparikara
During the Gupta period, taxes such as Uparikara and Udranga were introduced. Uparikara was likely imposed on temporary tenants who occupied land for a limited period. Udranga might have been a water tax or a form of police tax. These taxes contributed to the empire’s revenue.
13. What term refers to a perpetual endowment that the recipient could not alienate but could use the income from eternally during the Gupta period?
- Nivi dharma aksayana
- Nivi dharma
- Aprada dharma
- Bhumichchhidrallyaya
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Correct Answer: Nivi dharma aksayana
Nivi dharma aksayana was a land tenure system in the Gupta period that involved perpetual endowments. It allowed the recipient of the land to utilize the income generated from it indefinitely but did not grant ownership transfer rights. This system was relevant in the context of land tenure and property rights.
14. Which of the following terms were specific to land tenure during the Gupta period?
1. Nivi dharma
2. Nivi dharma aksayana
3. Aprada dharma
4. Bhumichchhidrallyaya
Choose the right option:
- Only 1 and 2
- Only 2 and 3
- Only 1, 2, and 3
- All of the above
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Correct Answer: All of the above
These are specific terms related to land tenure during the Gupta period.
15. In Gupta Empire, what were the villages called that were granted to secular parties for religious purposes?
- Agrahara Grants
- Devagrahara Grants
- Bali
- Vata-bhuta
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Correct Answer: Devagrahara Grants
Villages granted to secular parties for religious purposes were known as Devagrahara Grants. These grants permitted secular individuals or institutions to manage villages while carrying out religious duties, demonstrating the fusion of secular and religious aspects of governance.
16. What does Vata-Bhuta refer to?
- Plough tax
- King’s customary share of the produce normally amounting to one-sixth of the produce, paid by all cultivators
- Cesses for the maintenance of rites performed for the winds and spirits
- None of the above
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Correct Answer: Cesses for the maintenance of rites performed for the winds and spirits
Vata-Bhuta refers to cesses collected for the maintenance of rites performed for the winds and spirits during the Gupta period. It was a form of tax aimed at supporting religious rituals and ceremonies associated with natural forces.
17. Who maintained records of all land transactions in the district during the Gupta period?
- Ustapala
- Pustapala
- Vishayapati
- None of the above
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Correct Answer: Ustapala
In the Gupta period, officers like Ustapala were responsible for maintaining records of all land transactions in the district. Additionally, village accountants, known as Pustapala, preserved records of land within the village. These administrative roles ensured proper documentation of land-related matters and contributed to effective governance.
18. To whom were Agrahara Grants given?
- Brahmins
- Kshatriyas
- Vaishyas
- Shudras
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Correct Answer: Brahmins
During the Gupta period, Agrahara Grants were exclusively given to Brahmins. These grants were significant because they provided perpetual, hereditary, and tax-free land to the recipients, accompanied by the assignment of land revenue. This favored the Brahmin community and aimed to support religious and scholarly activities.
19. What refers to the royal share of merchandise brought into a town or harbor by merchants during the Gupta period?
- Shulka
- Bhaga
- Bhoga
- Kara
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Correct Answer: Shulka
Shulka during the Gupta period referred to the royal share of merchandise brought into a town or harbor by merchants. It is akin to customs and tolls, representing a form of taxation on trade. The revenue generated from Shulka contributed to the empire’s treasury.
20. What does “Halivakara” refer to?
- Irrigation tax
- Plough tax
- Crop tax
- House tax
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Correct Answer: Plough tax
Halivakara likely referred to the plough tax during the Gupta period. This era witnessed an increase in land taxes, with the plough tax being one of them. However, it is noteworthy that the number of taxes related to trade and commerce decreased during this period, reflecting the changing economic landscape.
21. What do “Vapi,” “Tadaga,” and “Dirghula” refer to during the Gupta period?
- Tanks
- Canals
- Rivers
- None of the above
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Correct Answer: Canals
The Gupta period saw the construction of canals to enhance agricultural practices. Terms like “Vapi,” “Tadaga,” and “Dirghula” were used to describe canals of varying sizes. These canals were built not only from rivers but also from tanks and lakes, reflecting the technological advancements in water management for agriculture.
22. Which of the following statements are correct regarding ‘sresti’ during the Gupta period?
1. They were a type of merchants.
2. They usually settled at a particular place.
3. They enjoyed an eminent position by virtue of their wealth and influence in the commercial life and administration.
Choose the right option :
- Only 1 and 2
- Only 2 and 3
- Only 1 and 3
- All 1, 2 and 3
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Correct Answer: All 1, 2 and 3
Sresti’ referred to a specific category of merchants during the Gupta period. These merchants typically settled in a particular place and held a prominent position in both commercial life and administration due to their wealth and influence. They contributed significantly to trade and economic activities.
23. What does “Sarthavaha” refer to during the Gupta period?
- Settled merchants
- Caravan traders
- Liquor traders
- None of the above
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Correct Answer: Caravan traders
“Sarthavaha” during the Gupta period described caravan traders who transported their merchandise to different places for profitable sales. These traders played a crucial role in facilitating long-distance trade and contributed to the economic growth of the Gupta Empire.
24. Which industry flourished the most during the Gupta period?
- Mining and metallurgy
- Shipbuilding
- Weaving
- Handicrafts
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Correct Answer: Mining and metallurgy
Mining and metallurgy thrived during the Gupta period. References from various sources, including Amarasimha, Varahamihira, and Kalidasa, confirm the existence of mines and the significance of metallurgical activities during this time. This economic activity contributed to the empire’s prosperity.
25. Which of the following statements are correct regarding cloth making during the Gupta period?
1. Silk and wool products and articles made of rare skin were normally used by the rich people.
2. The art of dyeing and embroidery was highly developed along with the silk, wool, and cotton industry.
Choose the right option
- Only 1
- Only 2
- Both 1 and 2
- None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: Both 1 and 2
The Gupta period witnessed the use of silk and wool products as well as articles made of rare skins, primarily by the wealthy. Dyeing and embroidery were highly developed in conjunction with the silk, wool, and cotton industry. This demonstrates the empire’s expertise in textiles and luxury goods production.
26. What articles were involved in trade between different parts of India during the Gupta period? 1. Pepper 2. Sandalwood 3. Coral 4. Saffron Choose the right option :
- Only 1, 2 and 3
- Only 2, 3 and 4
- Only 1, 3 and 4
- All 1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: All 1, 2, 3 and 4
Trade during the Gupta period involved valuable and luxury commodities, including pepper, sandalwood, coral, and saffron, among others. These commodities were exchanged between different regions of India, contributing to the economic vibrancy of the empire.
27. Which of the following statements are correct regarding prices and measurements during the Gupta period?
1. Guptas tried to fix the prices.
2. Prices fluctuated according to supply and demand.
3. Not only prices but also units of measurements varied from place to place.
Choose the right option:
- Only 1
- Only 1 and 2
- Only 2
- Only 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: Only 2 and 3
The Guptas did not try to fix prices during the Gupta period. Prices fluctuated based on supply and demand in the market. Additionally, not only prices but also units of measurements varied from place to place.
28. Which factors point towards a considerable volume of trade between the Byzantine Empire and India during the Gupta period?
1. Byzantine gold coins discovered in southern, eastern, and western parts of India.
2. In his law digest, Justinian gave a long list of imports from India.
Choose the right option :
- Only 1
- Only 2
- Both 1 and 2
- None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: Both 1 and 2
Considerable evidence indicates a significant volume of trade between the Gupta Empire and the Byzantine Empire during this period. The discovery of Byzantine gold coins in various parts of India and references in Justinian’s law digest provide clear testimony to this trade relationship.
29. What did India import from Ceylon during the Gupta period?
1. Pearls
2. Silver
3. Textiles
4. Spices
Choose the right option:
- Only 1, 2 and 3
- Only 2, 3 and 4
- Only 3 and 4
- Only 1 and 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: Only 1 and 2
India maintained close commercial relations with Ceylon (Sri Lanka) during the Gupta period. Ceylon imported various commodities from India, including textiles, spices, sandalwood, musk, castor oil, horses, and elephants. In return, India imported pearls and silver from Ceylon, fostering a thriving trade partnership.
30. During the reign of which Gupta king was the minting of silver coins first started?
- Chandragupta I
- Chandragupta II
- Kumaragupta I
- Skandagupta
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Correct Answer: Chandragupta II
The minting of silver coins began during the reign of Chandragupta II and continued through the reigns of Kumaragupta I and Skandagupta. This expansion of coinage materials further facilitated trade and economic activities.
31. Which of the following statements are correct regarding currency during the Gupta period?
1. The gold coins of each successive Gupta ruler, after Chandragupta II, contain less gold and more alloy.
2. They issued a large number of silver coins called rupyakas.
Choose the right option:
- Only 1
- Only 1 and 2
- Both 1 and 2
- None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. The gold coins of each successive Gupta ruler, after Chandragupta II, contained less gold and more alloy. Additionally, the Guptas issued a large number of silver coins called rupyakas.
32. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Gupta coins?
1. The Gupta coins are well designed and meticulously crafted.
2. The coins carried aesthetically impressive depictions of the activities of the rulers.
Choose the right option:
- Only 1
- Only 1 and 2
- Both 1 and 2
- None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. The coins of the Gupta empire were well designed and meticulously crafted. They also carried aesthetically impressive depictions of the activities of the rulers.
33. Which of the following is correct regarding gold coins issued by the Gupta empire?
1. They were useful only for big transactions.
2. Chandragupta-Kumaradevi type of gold coins were the earliest gold coins of the dynasty.
Choose the right option:
- Only 1
- Only 1 and 2
- Both 1 and 2
- None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. The gold coins issued by the Gupta empire were primarily useful for big transactions, such as the sale and purchase of land. The Chandragupta-Kumaradevi type of gold coins were the earliest gold coins of the dynasty.
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