Mauryan & Gupta — Set 5
Indian History · मौर्य और गुप्त · Questions 41–50 of 100
Who was the founder of the Gupta Dynasty?
Correct Answer: A. Sri Gupta
Sri Gupta is considered the founder of the Gupta Dynasty. He ruled as a minor king or feudatory in the late 3rd century CE. He was succeeded by his son Ghatotkacha before the rise of Chandragupta I.
Which book is NOT written by Kalidasa?
Correct Answer: D. Ratnavali
Ratnavali is a Sanskrit drama attributed to King Harsha (Harshavardhana), not Kalidasa. Kalidasa wrote classics like Raghuvamsa, Meghaduta, and Kumarasambhava. He is the most celebrated poet and playwright of the Gupta period.
The 'Barabar Caves', the oldest surviving rock-cut caves, date to which period?
Correct Answer: B. Mauryan
The Barabar Caves date back to the Mauryan period, specifically the reign of Ashoka and Dasharatha. They were donated to the ascetics of the Ajivika sect. These caves are famous for their remarkable polished interior finish.
What was the 'Bhaga' in the context of ancient Indian taxation?
Correct Answer: A. Land revenue share
Bhaga referred to the king's share of the produce, which was the primary land revenue. It was typically fixed at one-sixth of the agricultural produce. This term is frequently mentioned in both Mauryan and Gupta inscriptions.
The play 'Mrichchhakatika' (The Little Clay Cart) was written by:
Correct Answer: B. Shudraka
Shudraka wrote the famous play Mrichchhakatika. It is a realistic drama depicting the love story of a Brahmin merchant and a courtesan. The play offers a vivid picture of urban society during the Gupta or pre-Gupta era.
Which Mauryan officer was in charge of the city administration?
Correct Answer: D. Nagaraka
The Nagaraka was the officer in charge of city administration in the Mauryan system. He was responsible for maintaining law and order, hygiene, and census records within the city. Megasthenes describes a similar city council for Pataliputra.
The 'Licchavi Dauhitra' (Grandson of Licchavis) epithet was used for:
Correct Answer: B. Samudragupta
Samudragupta proudly used the epithet 'Licchavi Dauhitra' in his inscriptions. This highlighted his lineage through his mother, Kumaradevi, who was a Licchavi princess. This matrimonial link gave legitimacy and prestige to the Gupta dynasty.
Which script was written from right to left?
Correct Answer: C. Kharosthi
The Kharosthi script was written from right to left, similar to Aramaic. It was used primarily in the northwestern part of the Mauryan Empire (modern Pakistan and Afghanistan). Brahmi, in contrast, was written from left to right.
Who presided over the first Buddhist Council? (Note: Contextual to lineage)
Correct Answer: C. Mahakassapa
Mahakassapa presided over the First Buddhist Council immediately after Buddha's death. While not Mauryan, this background is often linked to the sequence leading to the Third Council under Ashoka. The Third Council was the one presided over by Moggaliputta Tissa.
Which Gupta ruler is depicted playing the Veena on his coins?
Correct Answer: B. Samudragupta
Samudragupta is depicted playing the Veena on some of his gold coins. This portrayal highlights his musical talents and personal interests beyond warfare. It supports the claim in the Prayag Prasasti of his artistic accomplishments.