Mauryan & Gupta — Set 8
Indian History · मौर्य और गुप्त · Questions 71–80 of 100
Which Mauryan king died by slow starvation (Sallekhana) at Shravanabelagola?
Correct Answer: A. Chandragupta Maurya
Chandragupta Maurya is said to have abdicated his throne and traveled to Shravanabelagola with the Jain monk Bhadrabahu. There, he performed Sallekhana, a Jain ritual of fasting to death. This highlights the Jain influence on the early Mauryan court.
Who wrote 'Harshacharita', though belonging to a slightly later period?
Correct Answer: C. Banabhatta
Banabhatta wrote the Harshacharita, a biography of King Harsha. While post-Gupta, it is a crucial text for understanding the transition from the Gupta age. Banabhatta also wrote the novel Kadambari.
The 'Panyadhyaksha' in Mauryan administration was the superintendent of:
Correct Answer: D. Commerce and Trade
The Panyadhyaksha was the superintendent of commerce and trade. He controlled prices, checked weights, and regulated the sale of goods. This role ensured that the state received its due share of taxes from commercial activities.
Which Gupta inscription gives a detailed account of the genealogy of the Gupta kings?
Correct Answer: A. Allahabad Pillar (Prayag Prasasti)
The Allahabad Pillar Inscription (Prayag Prasasti) provides a detailed genealogy of the Gupta kings. It lists ancestors from Sri Gupta down to Samudragupta. It is the primary source for establishing the early Gupta lineage.
The 'Sannidhata' and 'Samaharta' were paired officials in which empire?
Correct Answer: D. Mauryan
Sannidhata (Treasurer) and Samaharta (Collector) were key officials in the Mauryan Empire. Their roles are extensively defined in the Arthashastra. They managed the economic backbone of the centralized Mauryan state.
Which text is considered the first full biography in Sanskrit literature?
Correct Answer: A. Harshacharita
Harshacharita by Banabhatta is considered the first historical biography in Sanskrit. It details the life of Emperor Harsha. Though it comes after the Guptas, it marks the evolution of literary styles rooted in the Gupta classical tradition.
In the Gupta period, 'Uparika' was the head of a:
Correct Answer: D. Province (Bhukti)
An Uparika was the governor of a province (Bhukti) in the Gupta administration. They were appointed directly by the king. They, in turn, appointed the head of the districts (Vishayapati).
Ashoka's 'Dhamma' was primarily:
Correct Answer: A. A moral code of conduct
Ashoka's Dhamma was primarily a moral code of conduct rather than a dogmatic religion. It emphasized non-violence, tolerance, and respect for elders and teachers. It was designed to unify his diverse empire through shared ethical values.
The 'Junagadh Inscription' of Rudradaman is famous for being the first long inscription in:
Correct Answer: D. Sanskrit
The Junagadh Inscription of Rudradaman (circa 150 CE) is the first long inscription composed in chaste Sanskrit. Before this, most inscriptions were in Prakrit. It marks the growing prominence of Sanskrit as a court language, which peaked under the Guptas.
Which Gupta ruler is associated with the 'Mehrauli Iron Pillar' inscription?
Correct Answer: A. Chandragupta II
The Mehrauli Iron Pillar inscription mentions a King 'Chandra', widely identified as Chandragupta II. It celebrates his conquests across the seven mouths of the Indus and in Vanga (Bengal). It is located in the Qutb Minar complex in Delhi.