Mauryan & Gupta — Set 6
Indian History · मौर्य और गुप्त · Questions 51–60 of 100
The term 'Dhamma Mahamattas' refers to officials appointed by:
Correct Answer: B. Ashoka
Ashoka appointed special officers called Dhamma Mahamattas to propagate Dhamma. Their duty was to ensure the welfare of people and spread moral principles across the empire. They also looked after the welfare of prisoners and various religious sects.
The 'Bhitari Pillar Inscription' is associated with:
Correct Answer: B. Skandagupta
The Bhitari Pillar Inscription is associated with Skandagupta. It records his conflict with the Huns and his restoration of the Gupta lineage's prestige. The inscription is a key source for the later Gupta period's military history.
In the Mauryan period, the 'Sitadhyaksha' was the superintendent of:
Correct Answer: B. Agriculture
The Sitadhyaksha was the superintendent of agriculture in the Mauryan administration. He managed crown lands (Sita) and oversaw agricultural production. This role was crucial for the state's revenue, which relied heavily on agrarian produce.
Which classical Sanskrit poet is called the 'Shakespeare of India'?
Correct Answer: D. Kalidasa
Kalidasa is often referred to as the 'Shakespeare of India' due to his mastery of drama and poetry. His works like Shakuntalam and Meghaduta are pinnacles of Sanskrit literature. He flourished during the Gupta period, likely under Chandragupta II.
The Mauryan Empire was divided into provinces. The northern province capital was:
Correct Answer: D. Taxila
Taxila was the capital of the northern province (Uttarapatha) of the Mauryan Empire. It was a major center of trade and learning on the Silk Road. The other provincial capitals were Ujjain (West), Suvarnagiri (South), and Tosali (East).
Which Gupta ruler performed the Ashvamedha sacrifice as per coin evidence?
Correct Answer: A. Samudragupta
Samudragupta performed the Ashvamedha (Horse Sacrifice) to proclaim his imperial sovereignty. He issued special gold coins depicting a horse before a sacrificial post to commemorate this event. Kumaragupta I also performed this sacrifice later.
Who was the Buddhist monk who converted Ashoka to Buddhism?
Correct Answer: A. Upagupta
According to tradition, the monk Upagupta was responsible for converting Ashoka to Buddhism. This occurred after Ashoka was deeply moved by the violence of the Kalinga War. Upagupta then accompanied Ashoka on a pilgrimage to Buddhist holy sites.
The 'Nitisara' which is often called the Arthashastra of the Gupta period, was written by:
Correct Answer: A. Kamandaka
Kamandaka wrote the Nitisara, a text on statecraft, during the Gupta period. It is largely based on Kautilya's Arthashastra but adapted for the Gupta context. The text emphasizes foreign policy and the duties of a king.
Ashoka sent his son Mahendra and daughter Sanghamitra to propagate Buddhism in:
Correct Answer: C. Sri Lanka
Ashoka sent Mahendra and Sanghamitra to Sri Lanka (Tamraparni) to spread Buddhism. They carried a sapling of the Bodhi Tree with them. This mission established a lasting Buddhist tradition in Sri Lanka.
The famous Deogarh Dashavatara Temple is dedicated to which deity?
Correct Answer: A. Vishnu
The Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is one of the earliest surviving stone temples from the Gupta period. The temple features intricate sculptures of Vishnu's avatars and mythology.