Q1. Who among the following Gupta rulers was the first to adopt the imperial title of Maharajadhiraja and struck coins in the joint names of himself, his queen, and the Lichchhavi nation?
Gupta Empire and Post-Gupta Period: RAS Prelims MCQs
80 RAS Prelims MCQs on the Gupta Empire and the post-Gupta period examine rulers, titles, inscriptions, administration, the economy and the Pushyabhuti and Maitraka dynasties. Questions ask who adopted which title, which inscription belongs to which king and how land grants changed the economy, and the explanations tie each point to its period.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
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Q2. Which of the following statements correctly describes the nature of the Allahabad Pillar Inscription?
Explanation
The Allahabad Pillar Inscription, also known as the Prayag Prashasti, is a significant historical source composed by Harisena. It provides an extensive account of the military conquests and achievements of Samudragupta. Written in classical Sanskrit, it describes his victories in both northern and southern India and details the various policies he applied to different conquered regions.
Q3. Which of the following statements is incorrect regarding the reign of Chandragupta II?
Explanation
Chandragupta II was primarily known for issuing high-quality gold coins and becoming the first Gupta king to issue silver coins after defeating the Sakas. While copper coins were minted, they were not issued extensively for everyday transactions compared to the widespread use of cowries and local exchange systems. His reign is most celebrated for its cultural and territorial expansion.
Q4. Consider the following statements regarding Fa Hien’s account of Gupta India:
I. He visited India during the reign of Chandragupta II primarily to obtain authentic Buddhist texts.
II. He noted that the Chandalas lived outside the main settlements and were treated as untouchables.
III. He provided a detailed description of the complex political and administrative structure of the central Gupta government.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. He visited India during the reign of Chandragupta II primarily to obtain authentic Buddhist texts.
II. He noted that the Chandalas lived outside the main settlements and were treated as untouchables.
III. He provided a detailed description of the complex political and administrative structure of the central Gupta government.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Fa Hien visited India to procure Buddhist scriptures and focused heavily on religious aspects rather than secular administration. He noted the prosperity of the Middle Kingdom and the harsh social exclusion of the Chandalas, who lived outside cities. However, he did not provide a detailed description of the central Gupta government’s political or administrative structure in his writings.
Q5. In the context of Gupta administration, the term ‘Uparika’ refers to which of the following?
Explanation
In the Gupta administrative hierarchy, the empire was divided into provinces known as Bhuktis. These Bhuktis were governed by high-ranking officials called Uparikas. These governors were typically appointed by the emperor and were responsible for maintaining law, order, and revenue collection within their provinces. This position was crucial for managing the large and decentralized imperial structure.
Q6. Identify the incorrect pair regarding the terminology used for land classification during the Gupta period:
Explanation
During the Gupta period, land was classified based on its usage and fertility for revenue purposes. While Kshetra referred to cultivable land and Khila to waste land, the term Aprahata specifically denoted uncultivated jungle or forest land rather than pasture land. Pasture land was generally referred to as Ga-patha-sarah. This classification helped the state determine appropriate tax rates.
Q7. Match List-I (Literary Work) with List-II (Author) regarding Gupta period literature:
Which of the following matches is correct?
| Literary Work | Author |
|---|---|
| A. Mudrarakshasa | i. Kalidasa |
| B. Mrichchhakatika | ii. Bharavi |
| C. Kiratarjuniya | iii. Shudraka |
| D. Ritusamhara | iv. Vishakhadatta |
Explanation
The Gupta period was a golden era for Sanskrit literature with many classic works. Vishakhadatta wrote Mudrarakshasa, a political drama about the Mauryas. Shudraka authored Mrichchhakatika, depicting social life. Bharavi wrote the epic Kiratarjuniya, while Kalidasa, the most famous poet, composed Ritusamhara. These works reflect the high level of intellectual and artistic development during this significant historical era.
Q8. All of the following scholars are closely associated with the advancement of mathematics and astronomy during the Gupta and Post-Gupta period, except:
Explanation
While the Gupta period saw immense progress in mathematics and astronomy with scholars like Aryabhata, Varahamihira, and Brahmagupta, Charaka belonged to an earlier period. Charaka was a renowned physician associated with the court of Kanishka in the Kushana Empire. He authored the Charaka Samhita, which remains a foundational text in the ancient Indian medical system of Ayurveda.
Q9. Consider the following statements regarding the art and architecture of the Gupta period:
I. The Sarnath school of art is renowned for its seated Buddha statues carved from Chunar sandstone.
II. The Dashavatara temple at Deogarh is an early example of a Panchayatana style temple.
III. The mural paintings at Ajanta exclusively depict themes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
IV. The transition from rock-cut shrines to structural temples began significantly during this era.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. The Sarnath school of art is renowned for its seated Buddha statues carved from Chunar sandstone.
II. The Dashavatara temple at Deogarh is an early example of a Panchayatana style temple.
III. The mural paintings at Ajanta exclusively depict themes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
IV. The transition from rock-cut shrines to structural temples began significantly during this era.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Gupta art is characterized by the refinement seen in the Sarnath Buddha statues and the emergence of structural temples like Deogarh’s Dashavatara temple. This period marked a transition from rock-cut architecture to independent stone structures. However, Ajanta’s murals are not exclusive to epics; they primarily depict Jataka tales and scenes from the life of the Buddha in great detail.
Q10. The frequent invasions of the Hunas during the later part of the fifth century CE primarily resulted in which of the following?
Explanation
The repeated invasions by the Hunas during the late fifth century severely strained the Gupta Empire. These conflicts led to a significant drain on the imperial treasury and disrupted vital overland trade routes connecting India with Central Asia. This economic decline, combined with the military pressure, weakened central authority and encouraged regional governors to assert their own independence.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 1 | (b) Chandragupta I |
| 2 | (a) It is a prashasti by Harisena detailing Samudragupta’s military conquests. |
| 3 | (c) He was the first Gupta ruler to issue copper coins extensively for everyday transactions. |
| 4 | (a) I and II only |
| 5 | (c) The provincial governor appointed to administer a Bhukti |
| 6 | (b) Aprahata - Pasture land |
| 7 | (d) A-iv, B-iii, C-ii, D-i |
| 8 | (a) Charaka |
| 9 | (b) I, II and IV |
| 10 | (a) Disruption of overland trade routes and an economic drain on the treasury |
Key facts from Gupta Empire and Post-Gupta Period
- Chandragupta I first took the title Maharajadhiraja; his marriage alliance with the Lichchhavis raised his political status.
- Samudragupta performed the Ashvamedha sacrifice; the Bhitari pillar inscription belongs to Skandagupta.
- The Gupta Era is dated from 319-320 CE.
- An Uparika governed a Bhukti, the Gupta province; a Pustapala kept land records; Bhaga was the king’s share of produce, usually one-sixth.
- The Maitrakas ruled from Valabhi in Saurashtra; Harshavardhana wrote the play Nagananda.
- Land grants (Brahmadeya and Agrahara) created landed intermediaries and weakened central power.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Gupta Empire and Post-Gupta Period?
This page has 80 practice MCQs on Gupta Empire and Post-Gupta Period (Ancient Indian History). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Who first adopted the title Maharajadhiraja among the Guptas?
Chandragupta I. He struck coins and took the imperial title Maharajadhiraja, and his marriage with the Lichchhavi family raised the standing of the Gupta line, making him the real founder of Gupta power.
What was the role of an Uparika in Gupta administration?
An Uparika was the governor appointed to administer a Bhukti, the large province of the Gupta Empire. Below the Bhukti were districts and villages, and the Uparika answered to the king.
When did the Gupta Era begin?
In 319-320 CE, the date generally accepted by historians for the start of the Gupta Era and linked with the accession of Chandragupta I. Many Gupta inscriptions are dated in this era.