The History of the Gupta Period: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Ancient History)
2 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on The History of the Gupta Period (Ancient History). Choose an option to see the answer and explanation.
Explanations state facts as of the year each question was asked; words like “recently” refer to that year.
Showing 1–2 of 2 questions
UPSC 1997Ancient History · The History of the Gupta Period
Q1. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
List-I (Archaeological site)
List-II (Present location)
A. Gupta
1. Badami
B. Chandella
2. Panamalai
C. Chalukya
3. Khajuraho
D. Pallava
4. Deogarh
Explanation
The Gupta Empire (c. 320-550 CE) is celebrated as ancient India’s "Golden Age" for its advancements in art, literature, and science. The Chandelas (10th-12th centuries) flourished in Bundelkhand, renowned for their architectural masterpieces like Khajuraho. The Chalukyas (6th-12th centuries) dominated the Deccan region, while the Pallavas (6th-9th centuries) ruled parts of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, leaving a lasting cultural and architectural legacy.
Option (a) is correct: Key dynasties in ancient India were associated with specific centers of power: the Cholas ruled from Thanjavur and Gangaikondacholapuram; the Pallavas from Kanchi and Panamalai; the Pandyas from Madurai. The Chalukyas governed from Badami (Vatapi), while the Later Chalukyas ruled from Kalyani. In the north, the Guptas were linked to Deogarh, and the Chandelas to Bundelkhand and Khajuraho.
UPSC 1997Ancient History · The History of the Gupta Period
Q2. The silver coins issued by the Guptas were called:
Explanation
The Gupta Empire is known for its remarkable coinage that highlighted the artistry and cultural achievements of the period. The silver coins issued by the Guptas were known as "Rupaka." This term, "Rupaka," signifies a form or image, reflecting the Gupta Empire’s tradition of detailed and artistically crafted silver coinage.
Option (a) is correct: Rupaka specifically refers to the silver coins issued by the Gupta rulers.
Option (b) is incorrect: The Karshapana was a type of coin used primarily in ancient India during the Mauryan Empire, composed of various metals, typically copper or silver, but not specifically linked to the Guptas’ silver coins.
Option (c) is incorrect: While the Gupta Empire did issue Dinara coins, these were gold coins rather than silver. The term Dinara was influenced by Roman coinage and mainly reflected wealth in gold, not silver.
Option (d) is incorrect: Pana was a unit of currency used in ancient India, including the Mauryan period, but it was not specific to the Gupta Empire’s silver coinage.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
1997
(a) A-4; B-3; C-1; D-2
2
1997
(a) Rupaka
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on The History of the Gupta Period?
This page covers 2 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on The History of the Gupta Period (Ancient History), asked from 1995 to 2025. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
How should I use previous year UPSC questions for Prelims?
Attempt each question first, then open the answer and read the explanation for every option. Repeat by chapter, and track which statements UPSC reuses across years. Previous year questions show the exam pattern and difficulty level.
Which years are covered for The History of the Gupta Period?
Questions on The History of the Gupta Period (Ancient History) are available for 8 years, from 1995 to 2025. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
