Q61. Who among the following was the founder of the Gupta dynasty, although he did not assume the imperial title of Maharajadhiraja?
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 61–70 of 80 questions
Q62. Which of the following provides the correct sequence of the categories of Samudragupta’s military campaigns as generally reconstructed from the Allahabad Pillar Inscription?
Explanation
The Allahabad Pillar Inscription systematically records Samudragupta’s military progress. He first consolidated his power in Aryavarta (North India), then moved to conquer the Dakshinapatha (South India) rulers. Following this, he subdued various forest tribes and exacted tribute from frontier states like Nepal and Kamarupa. Finally, he established diplomatic and political relations with distant foreign powers, including the Kushanas and the rulers of Sri Lanka.
Q63. Identify the odd one out concerning the prominent educational centers in the Gupta and post-Gupta era:
Explanation
During the Gupta and post-Gupta periods, Nalanda, Valabhi, and later Vikramashila emerged as world-renowned centers of higher learning and Buddhist philosophy. These universities attracted students from across Asia. Lothal, however, was a major port city belonging to the much older Indus Valley Civilization. By the Gupta era, it had long ceased to be a significant urban or educational center, making it the odd one out.
Q64. Consider the following statements regarding the decentralized features of Gupta administration:
I. The administrative control over provinces and districts was absolute, with village councils having no autonomy.
II. Local administrative boards included representatives of merchant and artisan guilds, showing a sharing of power.
III. The increasing practice of granting tax-free land to Brahmanas and temples created autonomous administrative pockets.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. The administrative control over provinces and districts was absolute, with village councils having no autonomy.
II. Local administrative boards included representatives of merchant and artisan guilds, showing a sharing of power.
III. The increasing practice of granting tax-free land to Brahmanas and temples created autonomous administrative pockets.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Gupta administration was notably decentralized. Local administrative boards in cities and districts often included representatives from merchant and artisan guilds, allowing for community participation in governance. Furthermore, the increasing practice of granting tax-free land to Brahmanas and temples (Agraharas) created autonomous pockets where the central government had limited authority. These features provided a degree of local autonomy while gradually weakening the overall central control of the empire.
Q65. The term ‘Shreni’ in the context of the Gupta economy strictly refers to:
Explanation
In the Gupta economy, the term ‘Shreni’ refers to a guild. These were professional organizations of merchants or artisans belonging to a specific trade. Shrenis were highly organized and possessed their own rules, judicial powers over members, and even their own seals and banners. They played a vital role in manufacturing, trade, and banking, often receiving large endowments and acting as trustees for religious grants.
Q66. Identify the incorrect pair regarding post-Gupta literature:
Explanation
Bhavabhuti was a celebrated Sanskrit dramatist known for works like Malatimadhava and Uttararamacharita. However, Surya Siddhanta is a foundational astronomical treatise, not a literary work by Bhavabhuti. Its authorship is traditionally attributed to mythical origins or various astronomers who revised it over centuries. The other pairs, like Banabhatta with Kadambari and Harsha with Ratnavali, are correctly matched literary associations from the post-Gupta period.
Q67. Match List-I (Text) with List-II (Author) regarding ancient Indian sciences:
Which of the following matches is correct?
| Text | Author |
|---|---|
| A. Brihat Samhita | i. Brahmagupta |
| B. Brahmasphutasiddhanta | ii. Bhaskaracharya |
| C. Sushruta Samhita | iii. Varahamihira |
| D. Lilavati | iv. Sushruta |
Explanation
Ancient Indian scientific literature was highly advanced. Varahamihira authored the encyclopedic Brihat Samhita. Brahmagupta wrote the Brahmasphutasiddhanta, introducing profound concepts in algebra. Sushruta is the legendary father of Indian surgery, whose Samhita remains a medical classic. Bhaskaracharya, though later, is famous for Lilavati, a masterpiece on mathematics. These scholars collectively established India as a leading center of scientific and mathematical knowledge in the ancient world.
Q68. In Gupta literature and administration, what is the meaning of the term ‘Vishti’?
Explanation
In the social and economic system of the Gupta period, ‘Vishti’ referred to the practice of forced labor. The state or local landlords could demand labor from the common people, especially villagers, for various public works or personal services without providing any payment. This became a common feature of the rural economy and is often cited as an indicator of the growing feudalization of society during this era.
Q69. Consider the following statements regarding the Huna invasions and the decline of the Guptas:
I. The Hunas were a nomadic group from Central Asia who pushed into India via the northwest.
II. Skandagupta was completely defeated by the Hunas in his first encounter, losing Pataliputra.
III. Mihirakula, a prominent Huna king, is historically noted for his patronage of Buddhism.
IV. The prolonged resistance against the Hunas severely depleted the financial resources of the Gupta Empire.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. The Hunas were a nomadic group from Central Asia who pushed into India via the northwest.
II. Skandagupta was completely defeated by the Hunas in his first encounter, losing Pataliputra.
III. Mihirakula, a prominent Huna king, is historically noted for his patronage of Buddhism.
IV. The prolonged resistance against the Hunas severely depleted the financial resources of the Gupta Empire.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The Hunas were Central Asian nomads whose incursions into India via the northwest caused significant instability. While Skandagupta successfully repelled their initial attacks, the prolonged military effort severely drained the empire’s financial resources. Mihirakula, a prominent Huna king, was actually known for persecuting Buddhists rather than patronizing them. The combined impact of these wars and economic strain directly contributed to the eventual collapse of Gupta imperial authority.
Q70. Which of the following correctly describes the contribution of Kalidasa to Sanskrit literature?
Explanation
Kalidasa is regarded as the greatest poet and dramatist of the Gupta age. He mastered the kavya style, characterized by sophisticated language and rich imagery. His masterpieces, such as the play Abhijnanashakuntalam and the lyrical poem Meghaduta, explored themes of nature, love, and mythology. His work set the standard for classical Sanskrit literature and remains a vital part of India’s cultural and literary heritage.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 61 | (c) Sri Gupta |
| 62 | (a) Campaigns in Aryavarta, Campaigns in Dakshinapatha, Conquest of forest tribes, Subjugation of frontier states, Relations with foreign powers |
| 63 | (a) Lothal |
| 64 | (b) II and III only |
| 65 | (b) A guild of merchants or artisans of a particular trade |
| 66 | (a) Bhavabhuti - Surya Siddhanta |
| 67 | (c) A-iii, B-i, C-iv, D-ii |
| 68 | (d) Forced labor exacted by the state or landlords |
| 69 | (a) I and IV |
| 70 | (b) He elevated the kavya style of poetry and wrote masterpieces like Abhijnanashakuntalam and Meghaduta. |
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.