Q11. Which of the following events was not a part of Harsha’s military campaigns?
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.
Showing 11–20 of 80 questions
Q12. Which of the following represents the correct chronological sequence of the rulers of the Pushyabhuti dynasty?
Explanation
The Pushyabhuti dynasty rose to prominence in Thanesar. Adityavardhana was an early ruler, followed by the powerful Prabhakaravardhana, who assumed imperial titles. After his death, his elder son Rajyavardhana ascended the throne but was soon killed by Sasanka. Harshavardhana then took over, eventually shifting the capital to Kannauj and establishing a vast empire across most of northern India.
Q13. Which of the following statements is a factual representation of the grand assemblies organized by Harshavardhana?
Explanation
Harshavardhana organized grand religious assemblies to demonstrate his patronage and discuss theological matters. The Kannauj assembly was specifically held to honor the Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang and to promote the Mahayana school of Buddhism. These events were attended by various kings, scholars, and monks, highlighting Harsha’s religious tolerance and his role as a great patron of learning and Buddhist philosophy.
Q14. Consider the following statements regarding the administration and economy during Harsha’s reign:
I. The empire was divided into Bhuktis, Vishayas, and Gramas.
II. Land revenue was the principal source of state income, usually charged at one-sixth of the produce.
III. Harsha established a highly centralized bureaucratic apparatus completely devoid of feudal elements.
IV. High-ranking officers and state officials were frequently paid through land grants rather than cash salaries.
V. The period witnessed a dramatic decline in the use of coins for regular commercial transactions.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
I. The empire was divided into Bhuktis, Vishayas, and Gramas.
II. Land revenue was the principal source of state income, usually charged at one-sixth of the produce.
III. Harsha established a highly centralized bureaucratic apparatus completely devoid of feudal elements.
IV. High-ranking officers and state officials were frequently paid through land grants rather than cash salaries.
V. The period witnessed a dramatic decline in the use of coins for regular commercial transactions.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
Explanation
Harsha’s administration maintained the traditional divisions of Bhuktis and Gramas, with land revenue as the primary income. However, it was not a highly centralized bureaucratic apparatus. Instead, it was characterized by growing feudal elements, where high-ranking officials were often compensated with land grants. This decentralization meant that the state relied heavily on the loyalty and military support of subordinate feudal lords.
Q15. Which of the following regional dynasties established themselves in Saurashtra with their capital at Valabhi during the decline of the Gupta Empire?
Explanation
As the Gupta Empire declined, several regional powers emerged. The Maitrakas established themselves in the Saurashtra region with their capital at Valabhi. They became a significant political and cultural force, and Valabhi evolved into a renowned center of learning. Although they initially served as subordinates to the Guptas, they eventually declared independence and maintained power for several centuries.
Q16. The matrimonial alliance established by Chandragupta I with which powerful clan greatly elevated the political status of the early Guptas?
Explanation
The early political rise of the Gupta dynasty was significantly bolstered by the marriage of Chandragupta I to the Lichchhavi princess Kumaradevi. The Lichchhavis were a powerful and prestigious clan ruling from Vaishali. This matrimonial alliance provided the Guptas with the necessary legitimacy and territorial support to expand their influence and eventually establish an imperial presence in northern India.
Q17. Match List-I (Policy of Samudragupta) with
List-II (Region/Rulers affected) based on the Allahabad Pillar Inscription:
List I: Policy of Samudragupta
A. Prasabhoddharana (Violent extermination)
B. Grahana-Mokshanugraha (Capture and release)
C. Sarvakaradana (Paying all tributes)
D. Kanyopayanadana (Offering of maidens)
List II: Region/Rulers affected
i. Frontier states like Kamarupa and Nepal
ii. Foreign rulers like Daivaputra Shahi Shahanushahi
iii. Rulers of Dakshinapatha (South India)
iv. Rulers of Aryavarta (North India)
Which of the following matches is correct?
List-II (Region/Rulers affected) based on the Allahabad Pillar Inscription:
List I: Policy of Samudragupta
A. Prasabhoddharana (Violent extermination)
B. Grahana-Mokshanugraha (Capture and release)
C. Sarvakaradana (Paying all tributes)
D. Kanyopayanadana (Offering of maidens)
List II: Region/Rulers affected
i. Frontier states like Kamarupa and Nepal
ii. Foreign rulers like Daivaputra Shahi Shahanushahi
iii. Rulers of Dakshinapatha (South India)
iv. Rulers of Aryavarta (North India)
Which of the following matches is correct?
Explanation
Samudragupta followed distinct policies for different regions. In Aryavarta, he practiced "violent extermination" to incorporate territories directly. For Dakshinapatha rulers, he adopted "capture and release," allowing them to rule as subordinates. Frontier states were required to pay tributes, while foreign powers like the Kushanas offered maidens. These strategic policies ensured the stability and wide reach of the growing Gupta Empire.
Q18. Which statement correctly identifies the outcome of Chandragupta II’s matrimonial alliances?
Explanation
Chandragupta II strategically used matrimonial alliances to consolidate his power. By marrying his daughter Prabhavatigupta to the Vakataka king Rudrasena II, he secured a vital ally in the Deccan. This alliance was instrumental during his campaign against the Saka Kshatrapas of western India, as it provided protection for his southern flank and facilitated the annexation of Gujarat and Malwa.
Q19. Given below are two statements, one labeled as
Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): Fa Hien’s travelogue provides extremely limited information about the political history and the ruling emperor of the Gupta Empire.
Reason (R): Fa Hien was primarily a Chinese Buddhist pilgrim whose main objective was to visit Buddhist pilgrimage sites and collect authentic Vinaya Pitaka texts.
Which of the following is correct?
Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): Fa Hien’s travelogue provides extremely limited information about the political history and the ruling emperor of the Gupta Empire.
Reason (R): Fa Hien was primarily a Chinese Buddhist pilgrim whose main objective was to visit Buddhist pilgrimage sites and collect authentic Vinaya Pitaka texts.
Which of the following is correct?
Explanation
Fa Hien’s primary mission in India was religious, as he sought to collect authentic Buddhist scriptures and visit holy sites. Consequently, his travelogue provides very little information regarding the contemporary political history or the specific identity of the ruling emperor. His accounts focus on social conditions and Buddhist practices, making the religious objective the direct cause for the political omissions.
Q20. In the administrative system of the Gupta Empire, the ‘Pustapala’ functioned primarily as the:
Explanation
The Gupta administration was meticulous in its record-keeping, especially regarding land ownership and revenue. The Pustapala was the official designated as the keeper of records at the district level. Their primary responsibility was to maintain the registers of land transactions and ownership, ensuring that all transfers were properly documented to prevent disputes and facilitate the accurate collection of land taxes.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 11 | (d) The decisive victory over the Chalukya king Pulakeshin II at the Narmada |
| 12 | (b) Adityavardhana, Prabhakaravardhana, Rajyavardhana, Harshavardhana |
| 13 | (c) The Kannauj assembly honored Xuanzang and promoted Mahayana Buddhism. |
| 14 | (b) III only |
| 15 | (a) The Maitrakas |
| 16 | (b) The Lichchhavis |
| 17 | (b) A-iv, B-iii, C-i, D-ii |
| 18 | (a) He married his daughter Prabhavatigupta to the Vakataka king Rudrasena II. |
| 19 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 20 | (d) A record-keeper for land transaction registers |
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.