The Age Of Empires Guptas And Vardhanas
Class 6 | Social Science — History | Unit 3
Class 6 Unit 3 History
UNIT 3 The Age of Empire: Guptas and Vardhanas
Learning Objectives
To know the establishment of Gupta dynasty and the empire building efforts of Gupta rulers
To understand the polity, economy and society under Guptas
To get familiar with the contributions of the Guptas to art, architecture, literature, education, science and technology
To explore the significance of the reign of HarshaVardhana
Introduction
By the end of the Third Century Anno Domini (Common Era), the powerful empires established by the Kushanas in the north and Satavahanas in the south had lost their greatness and strength. After the decline of Kushanas and Satavahanas, Chandragupta carved out a kingdom and establish his dynastic rule, which lasted for about two hundred years. After the downfall of the Guptas and thereafter an interregnum of nearly 50 years, Harsha of Vardhana dynasty ruled North India from 606 to 647 Anno Domini (Common Era).
Sources
Archaeological Sources
Gold, silver and copper coins issued by Gupta rulers.
Allahabad Pillar Inscription of Samudragupta.
The Mehrauli Iron Pillar Inscription.
Udayagiri Cave Inscription, Mathura Stone Inscription and Sanchi Stone Inscription of Chandragupta 2
Bhitari Pillar Inscription of Skandagupta.
The Gadhwa Stone Inscription.
Madubhan Copper Plate Inscription (Punjab)
Sonpat Copper Plate
Nalanda Inscription on clay seal
Literary Sources
Vishnu, Matsya, Vayu and Bhagavata Puranas and Niti Sastras of Narada
Visakhadatta's Devichandraguptam and Mudrarakshasa and Bana's Harshacharita
Dramas of Kalidasa.
Accounts of Chinese Buddhist monk Fahien who visited India during the reign of Chandragupta 2.
Harsha's Ratnavali, Nagananda, Priyadharshika
Hiuen-Tsang's Si-Yu-Ki
Foundation of the Gupta Dynasty
Sri Gupta is considered to be the founder of the Gupta dynasty. He is believed to have reigned over parts of present-day Bengal and Bihar. He was the first Gupta ruler to be featured on coins. He was succeeded by his son Ghatotkacha. Both are mentioned as Maharajas in inscriptions.
Chandragupta 1 (From 319 to 335 Anno Domini (Common Era)
Chandragupta 1 married Kumaradevi of the famous and powerful Lichchhavi family. Having gained the support of this family, Chandragupta could eliminate various small states in northern India and crown himself the monarch of a larger kingdom. The gold coins attributed to Chandragupta bear the images of Chandragupta, Kumaradevi and the legend 'Lichchhavayah'.
Do You Know?
Lichchhavi was an old gana–sanga and its territory lay between the Ganges and the Nepal Terai.
Samudragupta (From 335 to 380 Anno Domini (Common Era))
Samudragupta, son of Chandragupta 1, was the greatest ruler of the dynasty. The Prayog Prashasti, composed by Samudragupta's court poet Harisena, was engraved on the Allahabad Pillar. This Allahabad Pillar inscription is the main source of information for Samudragupta's reign.
Prashasti
Prashasti is a Sanskrit word, meaning commendation or 'in praise of'. Court poets flattered their kings listing out their achievements. These accounts were later engraved on pillars so that the people could read them.
Consolidation of Gupta Dynasty
Samudragupta was a great general and when he became emperor, he carried on a vigorous campaign all over the country and even in the south. In the southern Pallava kingdom, the king who was defeated by Samudragupta was Vishnugopa. Samudragupta conquered nine kingdoms in northern India. He reduced 12 rulers of southern India to the status of feudatories and forced them to pay tribute. He received homage from the rulers of East Bengal, Assam, Nepal, the eastern part of Punjab and various tribes of Rajasthan.
Do You Know?
Samudragupta was a devotee of Vishnu. He revived the Vedic practice of performing horse sacrifice. Performed by kings to prove their imperial sovereignty. He issued gold coins and in one of them, he is portrayed playing harp (veena). Samudragupta was not only a great conqueror but a lover of poetry and music and for this, he earned the title 'Kaviraja'.
Do You Know?
Sri Meghavarman, the Buddhist king of Ceylon, was a contemporary of Samudragupta.
Chandragupta 2 (From 380 to 415 Anno Domini Christian Era)
Chandragupta II was the son of Samudragupta. He was also known as Vikramaditya. He conquered western Malwa and Gujarat by defeating the Saka rulers. He maintained a friendly relationship with the rulers of southern India. The iron pillar near Qutub Minar is believed to have been built by Vikramaditya. Fahien, a Buddhist scholar from China, visited India during his reign. Vikramaditya is said to have assembled the greatest writers and artists (Navaratna Like as Nine Jewels) in his court. Kalidasa is said to be one among them.
Navaratna in the court of Vikramaditya
| Kalidasa | Sanskrit Poet |
| Harisena | Sanskrit Poet |
| Amarasimha | Lexicographer |
| Dhanvantri | Physician |
| Kahapanaka | Astrologer |
| Sanku | Architect |
| Varahamihira | Astronomer |
| Varauchi | Grammarian and Sanskrit Scholar |
| Vittalbhatta | Magician |
Do You Know?
The surnames of Chandragupta 2 were Vikramaditya, Narendrachandra, Simhachandra, Narendrasimha, Vikrama Devaraja, Devagupta and Devasri.
Chandragupta 2 was succeeded by his son Kumaragupta 1, who built the famous Nalanda University. Kumaragupta's successor Skandagupta had to face a new threat in the form of the invasion of Huns. He defeated them and drove them away. But after twelve years, they came again and broke the back of the Gupta Empire. The last of the great Guptas was Baladitya, assumed to have been Narasimha Gupta 1. He was himself attracted towards Buddhism. He was paying tribute to Mihirakula but was distressed by his hostility towards Buddhism. So, he stopped paying tribute. Though Baladitya succeeded in imprisoning him, Mihirakula turned treacherous and drove away Baladitya from Magadha. After Baladitya, the great Gupta Empire faded away. The last recognised king of the Gupta Empire was Vishnugupta.
Fahien
During the reign of Chandragupta 2, the Buddhist monk Fahien visited India. His travel accounts provided us information about the socio-economic, religious and moral conditions of the people of the Gupta age. According to Fahien, the people of Magadha were happy and prosperous, that justice was mildly administered and there was no death penalty. Gaya was desolated. Kapilavasthu had become a jungle, but at Pataliputra people were rich and prosperous.
Gupta Polity
The divine theory of kingship (the concept that king is the representative of God on earth and so he is answerable only to God and not to anyone else) was practised by the Gupta rulers. The Gupta kings wielded enormous power in political, administrative, military and judicial spheres. The Gupta king was assisted by a council of mantris (ministers). The council consisted of princes, high officials and feudatories. A large number of officials were employed by the Gupta rulers to carry on the day-to-day administration of the country. High-ranking officials were called dandanayakas and maha dandanayakas. The Gupta Empire was divided into provinces known as deshas or bhuktis. They were administered by the governors, designated as uparikas. The province was divided into districts such as vaishyas and they were controlled by the officers known as vishyapatis. At the village level, there were functionaries such as gramika and gramadhyaksha. The extensive empire shows the important role of military organisation. Seals and inscriptions mentioned military designations as baladhikrita and mahabaladhikrita (commander of infantry and cavalry respectively). The system of espionage included spies known as dutakas.
Society and Economy
Land and Peasants
Nitisara, authored by Kamandaka, emphasises the importance of the royal treasury and mentions various sources of revenue. The military campaigns of kings like Samudragupta were financed through revenue surpluses. Land tax was the main revenue to the government. The condition of peasants was pathetic. They were required to pay various taxes. They were reduced to the position of serfs.
Classification of land during Gupta Period
| Kshetra | Cultivable Land |
| Khila | Waste Land |
| Aprahata | Jungle or Forest Land |
| Vasti | Habitable Land |
| Gapata Saraha | Pastoral Land |
Trade and Commerce
The contribution of the traders for the development of Gupta's economy was very impressive. There were two types of traders, namely Sresti and Sarthavaha.
Nalanda University
Nalanda University flourished under the patronage of the Gupta Empire in the fifth and sixth centuries and later under emperor Harsha of Kanauj. At Nalanda, Buddhism was the main subject of study. Other subjects like Yoga, Vedic literature and Medicine were also taught. Hiuen Tsang spent many years studying Buddhism in the University. Eight Mahapatashalas and three large libraries were situated on the campus. Nalanda was ravaged and destroyed by Mamluks (Turkish Muslims) under Bhaktiyar Khalji. Today, it is a United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage Site.
Who were the Huns?
Huns were the nomadic tribes, who, under their great Attila, were terrorising Rome and Constantinople. Associated with these tribes were the White Huns who came to India through Central Asia. They undertook regular invasions and were giving trouble to all Indian frontier states. After defeating Skandagupta, they spread across Central India. Their chief, Toromana, crowned himself as king. After him, his son Mihirakula ruled the captured territories. Finally, Yasodharman, ruler of Malwa in Central India, defeated them and ended their rule.
Types of Traders
| Sresti | Sarthavaha |
| Sresti traders usually settled at a standard place. | Sarthavaha traders were caravan traders who carried their goods to different places |
Trade items ranged from daily products to valuable and luxury goods. The important trade goods were pepper, gold, copper, iron, horses and elephants. Lending money at a high rate of interest was in practice during the Gupta period. The Guptas developed roadways connecting different parts of the country. Pataliputra, Ujjain, Benaras, Mathura were the famous trade centres. Ports in western (Kalyan, Mangalore, Malabar) and eastern (Tamralipti in Bengal) coasts of India facilitated trade.
Do You Know?
Samudragupta introduced the Gupta monetary system. Kushana coins provided inspiration to Samudragupta. The Gupta gold coins were known as Dinara. Guptas issued many gold coins but comparatively fewer silver and copper coins. However, the post-Gupta period saw a fall in the circulation of gold coins, indicating the decline in the prosperity of the empire.
Metallurgy
Mining and metallurgy were the most flourishing industries during the Gupta period. The most important evidence of development in metallurgy was the Mehrauli Iron Pillar installed by King Chandragupta in Delhi. This monolithic iron pillar has lasted through the centuries without rusting.
Do You Know?
The metals used by them were: iron, gold, copper, tin, lead, brass, bronze, bell-metal, mica, manganese and red chalk.
Society
The society that adhered to the four varna system was patriarchal. According to laws of Manu, which was in force, women should be under the protection of their father, husband or eldest son. Polygamy was widely prevalent. The kings and feudatory lords often had more than one wife. Inscriptions refer to Kubernaga and Dhrubaswamini as the queens of Chandragupta II. Sati was practised during the Gupta rule.
Slavery
Slavery was not institutionalised in India, as in the West. But there are references to the existence of various categories of slaves during the Gupta age.
Religion
There was a revival of Vedic religion and Vedic rites. Samudragupta and Kumaragupta 1 performed Asvamedha Yagna (a horse sacrifice ritual). We notice the beginning of image worship and the emergence of two sects, namely Vaishnavism and Saivism, during the Gupta period. Buddhism also continued to flourish through it split into two sects, namely Hinayana and Mahayana.
Art and Architecture
The Guptas were the first to construct temples, which evolved from the earlier tradition of rock-cut shrines. Adorned with towers and elaborate carvings, these temples were dedicated to all Hindu deities. The most notable rock-cut caves are found at Ajanta and Ellora (Maharashtra), Bagh (Madhya Pradesh) and Udaygiri (Odisha). The structural temples built during this period resemble the characteristic features of the Dravidian style. Two remarkable examples of Gupta metal sculpture are (1) a copper image of Buddha about 18 feet high at Nalanda and (2) Sultanganj Buddha seven-and-a-half feet in height. The most important examples of the Gupta paintings are found on the Fresco of the Ajanta caves and the Bagh cave in Gwalior.
Literature
Though the language spoken by the people was Prakrit, the Guptas made Sanskrit the official language and all their epigraphic records are in Sanskrit. The Gupta period also saw the development of Sanskrit grammar based on the grammar of Panini and Patanjali who wrote Ashtadhyayi and Mahabhashya respectively. A Buddhist scholar from Bengal, Chandrogomia, composed a book on grammar titled Chandravyakaranam. Kalidasa's famous dramas were Sakunthala, Malavikagnimitra and Vikramaorvashiyam. Other significant works of Kalidasa were Meghaduta, Raghuvamsa, Kumarasambava and Ritusamhara.
Mathematics, Astronomy and Medicine
Invention of zero and the consequent evolution of the decimal system were the legacy of Guptas to the modern world. Aryabhatta, Varahamihira and Brahmagupta were foremost astronomers and mathematicians of the time. Aryabhatta, in his book Surya Siddhanta, explained the true causes of solar and lunar eclipses. He was the first Indian astronomer to declare that the earth revolves around its own axis. Dhanvantri was a famous scholar in the field of medicine. He was a specialist in Ayurveda. Charaka was a medical scientist. Susruta was the first Indian to explain the process of surgery.
Vardhana Dynasty
The founder of the Vardhana or Pushyabhuti dynasty ruled from Thaneswar. Pushyabhuti served as a military general under the Guptas and rose to power after the fall of the Guptas. With the accession of Prabakaravardhana, the Pushyabhuti family became strong and powerful. Rajavardhana, the eldest son of Prabhakaravardhana, ascended the throne after his father's death. Rajavardhana's sister Rajayashri's husband, Raja of Kanauj, was killed by the Gauda ruler Sasanka of Bengal. Sasanka also imprisoned Rajayashri. Rajavardhana, in the process of retrieving his sister, was treacherously killed by Sasanka. This resulted in his younger brother Harshavardhana becoming king of Thaneswar. The notables of the Kanauj kingdom also invited Harsha to take its crown. After becoming the ruler of both Thaneswar and Kanauj, Harsha shifted his capital from Thaneswar to Kanauj.
Conquest of Harshavardhana
The most popular king of the vardhana dynasty was Harshavardhana. Harsha ruled for 41 years. His feudatories included those of Jalandhar, Kashmir, Nepal and Valabhi. Sasanka of Bengal remained hostile to him. It was Harsha who unified most of northern India. But the extension of his authority in the south was checked by Chalukya king Pulikesin 2. The kingdom of Harsha disintegrated rapidly into small states after his death in 648 Anno Domini (Common Era). He maintained a cordial relationship with the rulers of Iran and China.
Do You Know?
Harsha met the Chinese traveller, Hiuen Tsang, at Kajangala near Rajmahal (Jharkhand) for the first time.
Administration
The emperor was assisted by a council of ministers. The prime minister occupied the most important position in the council of ministers. Bhaga, Hiranya and Bali were the three kinds of tax collected during Harsha's reign. Criminal law was more severe than that of the Gupta age. Life imprisonment was the punishment for violation of the laws and for plotting against the king. Perfect law and order prevailed throughout the empire. Harsha paid great attention to discipline and strength of the army. Harsha built charitable institutions for the stay of the travellers, and to care for the sick and the poor.
Religious Policy
Harsha was the worshipper of Shiva in the beginning, but he embraced Buddhism under the influence of his sister Rajyashri and the Buddhist monk and traveller Hiuen Tsang. He belonged to Mahayana school of thought. Harsha treated Vedic scholars and Buddhist monks alike and distributed charities equally to them. He was the last Buddhist sovereign in India. As a pious Buddhist, Harsha stopped the killing of animals for food.
Do You Know?
Hiuen Tsang, the 'prince of pilgrims', visited India during Harsha's reign. His Si-Yu-Ki provides detailed information about the social, economic, religious and cultural conditions of India during Harsha's time. Hiuen Tsang tells us how Harsha, though a Buddhist, went to participate in the great kumbhamela held at Prayag. He was noted for his policy of religious toleration and used to worship the images of Buddha, Shiva and Sun simultaneously. He summoned two Buddhist assemblies, one at Kanauj and another at Prayag.
Do You Know?
The assembly at Kanauj was attended by 20 kings. A large number of Buddhist, Jain and Vedic scholars attended the assembly. A golden statue of Buddha was consecrated in a monastery and a small statue of Buddha (three feet) was carried in a procession. In the assembly at Prayag, Harsha distributed his wealth among the Buddhists, Vedic scholars and poor people. Harsha offered fabulous gifts to the Buddhist monks on all the four days of the assembly.
Art and Literature
Harsha, himself a poet and dramatist, gathered around him the best of poets and artists. Harsha's popular works are Ratnavali, Nagananda and Priyadarshika. His royal court was adorned by Banabhatta, Mayura, Hardatta and Jayasena. Temples and monasteries functioned as centres of learning. Kanauj became a famous city. Harsha constructed a large number of viharas, monasteries and stupas on the bank of the Ganges. The Nalanda University, a university and monastery combined, was said to have had 10,000 students and monks in residence, when Hiuen Tsang visited the university.
Elsewhere
Chandragupta I was the contemporary of Constantine the Great, the Roman Emperor, who founded Constantinople. Harsha's time coincided with the early days of the Tang Dynasty of China. Their capital Xian was a great centre of art and learning.
Summary
Sri Gupta was the founder of Gupta dynasty. Chandragupta 1, Samudragupta and Chandragupta 2 were the great kings of Gupta dynasty. Vishnugupta was the last recognised king of Gupta Empire. Divine Right Theory of kingship was practised by the Gupta rulers. Mining and metallurgy were the most flourishing industries during the Gupta Period. The society that adhered to four varna system was patriarchal. There was a revival of Vedic religion and Vedic rites. The Guptas were the first to construct temples which evolved from the earlier tradition of rock-cut shrines. Aryabhatta, Varahamihira and Brahmagupta were foremost astronomers and mathematicians of the time. Harsha was a prominent ruler of Vardhana dynasty and was elevated to the position of an emperor. Harsha was a great artist and dramatist and contributed to the development of literature and art. Hiuen Tsang visited Nalanda and wrote his useful travel accounts, which help us understand the condition of India during Harsha's reign. Harsha, though a strong follower of Buddhism, also promoted Vedic religion.
Glossary
Engraved Carved or inscribed பொறிக்கப்பட்ட அல்லது செதுக்கிய Flattered Lavish insincere praise and compliments upon (someone especially to further one's own interest) முகஸ்துதி Collapse fall சரிவு Pathetic pitiful பரிதாபகரமான adhered to abide by, bound by பின்பற்றப்பட்ட pastoral land land or farm used for grazing cattle மேய்ச்சல் நிலம் Portrayed depicted in a work of art or literature சித்தரிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது Desolated made unfit for habitation பாழடைந்த
Exercise
Exercise 1. Choose the correct answer
1. _____ was the founder of the Gupta dynasty.
a) Chandragupta 1 b) Sri Gupta c) Vishnu Gopa d) Vishnugupta
2. Prayog Prashasti was composed by _____
a) Kalidasa b) Amarasimha c) Harisena d) Dhanvantri
3. The monolithic iron pillar of Chandragupta is at _____
a) Mehrauli b) Bhitari c) Gadhva d) Mathura
4. _____ was the first Indian to explain the process of surgery.
a) Charaka b) Sushruta c) Dhanvantri d) Agnivasa
5. _____ was the Gauda ruler of Bengal.
a) Sasanka b) Maitraka c) Rajavardhana d) Pulikesin 2 Exercise 2. Match the statement with the reason and tick the appropriate answer
1. Assertion (A): Chandragupta 1 crowned himself as a monarch of a large kingdom after eliminating various small states in Northern India.
Reason (R): Chandragupta 1 married Kumaradevi of Lichchavi family.
a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. b) Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A. c) A is correct but R is not correct. d) A is not correct but R is correct.
2. Statement 1: Chandragupta II did not have cordial relationship with the rulers of South India.
Statement 2: The divine theory of kingship was practised by the Gupta rulers.
a) Statement 1 is wrong but statement 2 is correct. b) Statement 2 is wrong but statement 1 is correct. c) Both the statements are correct. d) Both the statements are wrong.
3. Which of the following is arranged in chronological order?
a) Srigupta – Chandragupta 1 – Samudragupta – Vikramaditya b) Chandragupta 1 – Vikramaditya - Srigupta – Samudragupta c) Srigupta – Samudragupta – Vikramaditya -Chandragupta 1 d) Vikramaditya - Srigupta – Samudragupta - Chandragupta 1
4. Consider the following statements and find out which of the following statement(s) is or are correct
1. Lending money at a high rate of interest was practised.
2. Pottery and mining were the most flourishing industries.
a) 1 is correct b) 2 is correct c) Both 1 and 2 are correct d) Both 1 and 2 are wrong
5. Circle the odd one
1. Kalidasa, Harisena, Samudragupta, Charaka.
2. Ratnavali, Harshacharita, Nagananda, Priyadharshika.
Exercise 3. Fill in the blanks
1. , the king of Ceylon, was a contemporary of Samudragupta.
2. Buddhist monk from China visited India during the reign of Chandragupta 2.
3. invasion led to the downfall of the Gupta Empire.
4. was the main revenue to the Government.
5. The official language of the Guptas was .
6. , the Pallava king was defeated by Samudragupta.
7. was the popular king of the Vardhana dynasty.
8. Harsha shifted his capital from to Kanauj.
Exercise 4. State whether True or False 1. Dhanvantri was a famous scholar in the field of medicine. 2. The structural temples built during the Gupta period resemble the Indo-Aryan style. 3. Sati was not in practice in the Gupta Empire. 4. Harsha belonged to the Hinayana school of thought. 5. Harsha was noted for his religious intolerance. Exercise 5. Match the following
A
| a. Mihirakula | |
| b. Aryabhatta | |
| c. Painting | |
| d. Nalanda University | |
| e. Sarthavaga | |
Options: 1. Astronomy, 2. Kumaragupta, 3. Skandagupta, 4. Caravan trader, 5. Bagh
B
| a. Bana | |
| b. Harsha | |
| c. Nalanda University | |
| d. Hiuen-Tsang | |
| e. Buddhist Assembly | |
Options: 1. Prayag, 2. Harshacharita, 3. Ratnavali, 4. Si-Yu-Ki, 5. 10,000 students
Exercise 6. Answer in one or two sentences
1. Who was given the title Kaviraja? Why?
2. What were the subjects taught at Nalanda University?
3. Explain the Divine Theory of Kingship.
4. Highlight the achievement of Guptas in metallurgy.
5. Who were the Huns?
6. Name the three kinds of tax collected during Harsha's reign.
7. Name the books authored by Harsha.
Exercise 7. Answer the following briefly
1. Write a note on Prashasti.
2. Give an account of Samudragupta's military conquests.
3. Describe the land classification during the Gupta period.
4. Write about Sresti and Sarthavaha traders.
5. Highlight the contribution of Guptas to architecture.
6. Name the works of Kalidasa.
7. Estimate Harshvardhana as a poet and a dramatist.
Exercise 8. Higher Order Thinking
1. The gold coins issued by Gupta kings indicate _____.
a) the availability of gold mines in the kingdom b) the ability of the people to work with gold c) the prosperity of the kingdom d) the extravagant nature of kings
2. The famous ancient paintings at Ajanta were painted on _____.
a) walls of caves b) ceilings of temples c) rocks d) papyrus
3. Gupta period is remembered for _____.
a) renaissance in literature and art b) expeditions to southern India c) invasion of Huns d) religious tolerance
4. What did Indian scientists achieve in astronomy and mathematics during the Gupta period?
Exercise 9. Student activity
1. Stage any one of the dramas of Kalidasa in the classroom.
2. Compare and contrast the society of Guptas with that of Mauryas.
Exercise 10. Life Skills
1. Collect information about the contribution of Aryabhatta, Varahamihira and Brahmagupta to astronomy.
2. Visit a nearby Indian Space Research Organisation centre to know more about satellite launching.
Exercise 11. Answer Grid
Who was Toromana?
Name the high-ranking officials of Gupta Empire.
Name the Gupta kings who performed Asvamedha yagna.
Name the book which explained the causes for the lunar and solar eclipses.
Name the first Gupta king to find a place on coins.
Which was the main source of information to know about Samudragupta's reign?
Harsha was the worshipper of _____ in the beginning.
_____ University reached its fame during the Harsha period.
ICT CORNER
THE AGE OF EMPIRES: GUPTAS AND VARDHANAS
This activity is to explore Maps. You can know about countries, capitals, flags and cities in all the continents using an Educational Interactive game Seterra Map Quiz.
Steps:
Step 1: Open the Browser and type the given URL (or Scan the QR Code).
Step 2: Free map Quiz page will appear on the screen.
Step 3: Scroll down and You can select any continent or Country (ex. India Cities)
Step 4: Explore various places on the map, play and create customized quiz activities.
Browse in the link:
Web: https://online.seterra.com/en/ (or scan the QR Code)
Mobile: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.seterra.free
Book-back Exercises — Questions & Answers
Answers generated strictly from the Samacheer Kalvi textbook content. Attempt each question first, then click "Show Answer" to check.
1. Choose the correct answer
1. ________ was the founder of the Gupta dynasty.
a) Chandragupta 1 b) Sri Gupta c) Vishnu Gopa d) Vishnugupta
Answer: b) Sri Gupta
Explanation: Sri Gupta is considered to be the founder of the Gupta dynasty. He is believed to have reigned over parts of present-day Bengal and Bihar.
2. Prayog Prashasti was composed by ________.
a) Kalidasa b) Amarasimha c) Harisena d) Dhanvantri
Answer: c) Harisena
Explanation: The Prayog Prashasti, composed by Samudragupta's court poet Harisena, was engraved on the Allahabad Pillar.
3. The monolithic iron pillar of Chandragupta is at ________.
a) Mehrauli b) Bhitari c) Gadhva d) Mathura
Answer: a) Mehrauli
Explanation: The most important evidence of development in metallurgy was the Mehrauli Iron Pillar installed by King Chandragupta in Delhi.
4. ________ was the first Indian to explain the process of surgery.
a) Charaka b) Sushruta c) Dhanvantri d) Agnivasa
Answer: b) Sushruta
Explanation: Susruta was the first Indian to explain the process of surgery.
5. ________ was the Gauda ruler of Bengal.
a) Sasanka b) Maitraka c) Rajavardhana d) Pulikesin 2
Answer: a) Sasanka
Explanation: Rajavardhana's sister Rajayashri's husband, Raja of Kanauj, was killed by the Gauda ruler Sasanka of Bengal.
2. Match the statement with the reason and tick the appropriate answer
1. Assertion (A): Chandragupta 1 crowned himself as a monarch of a large kingdom after eliminating various small states in Northern India.
Reason (R): Chandragupta 1 married Kumaradevi of Lichchavi family.
a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. b) Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A. c) A is correct but R is not correct. d) A is not correct but R is correct.
Answer: a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: Having gained the support of the Lichchhavi family through marriage, Chandragupta could eliminate various small states in northern India and crown himself the monarch of a larger kingdom.
2. Statement 1: Chandragupta II did not have cordial relationship with the rulers of South India.
Statement 2: The divine theory of kingship was practised by the Gupta rulers.
a) Statement 1 is wrong but statement 2 is correct. b) Statement 2 is wrong but statement 1 is correct. c) Both the statements are correct. d) Both the statements are wrong.
Answer: a) Statement 1 is wrong but statement 2 is correct.
Explanation: Chandragupta II maintained a friendly relationship with the rulers of southern India. The divine theory of kingship was indeed practised by the Gupta rulers.
3. Which of the following is arranged in chronological order?
a) Srigupta – Chandragupta 1 – Samudragupta – Vikramaditya b) Chandragupta 1 – Vikramaditya - Srigupta – Samudragupta c) Srigupta – Samudragupta – Vikramaditya - Chandragupta 1 d) Vikramaditya - Srigupta – Samudragupta - Chandragupta 1
Answer: a) Srigupta – Chandragupta 1 – Samudragupta – Vikramaditya
Explanation: Sri Gupta was the founder, followed by Chandragupta 1 (319-335 CE), then Samudragupta (335-380 CE), and Chandragupta 2/Vikramaditya (380-415 CE).
4. Consider the following statements and find out which of the following statement(s) is or are correct:
1. Lending money at a high rate of interest was practised.
2. Pottery and mining were the most flourishing industries.
a) 1 is correct b) 2 is correct c) Both 1 and 2 are correct d) Both 1 and 2 are wrong
Answer: a) 1 is correct
Explanation: Lending money at a high rate of interest was in practice during the Gupta period. Mining and metallurgy (not pottery) were the most flourishing industries.
5. Circle the odd one
1. Kalidasa, Harisena, Samudragupta, Charaka.
Answer: Samudragupta
Explanation: Samudragupta was a ruler, while the others were scholars/poets.
2. Ratnavali, Harshacharita, Nagananda, Priyadharshika.
Answer: Harshacharita
Explanation: Harshacharita was written by Banabhatta, while the others were written by Harsha himself.
3. Fill in the blanks
1. ________ the king of Ceylon, was a contemporary of Samudragupta.
Answer: Sri Meghavarman
2. Buddhist monk from China ________ visited India during the reign of Chandragupta 2.
Answer: Fahien
3. ________ invasion led to the downfall of the Gupta Empire.
Answer: Huns
4. ________ was the main revenue to the Government.
Answer: Land tax
5. The official language of the Guptas was ________.
Answer: Sanskrit
6. ________ the Pallava king was defeated by Samudragupta.
Answer: Vishnugopa
7. ________ was the popular king of the Vardhana dynasty.
Answer: Harshavardhana
8. Harsha shifted his capital from ________ to Kanauj.
Answer: Thaneswar
4. State whether True or False
1. Dhanvantri was a famous scholar in the field of medicine.
Answer: True
2. The structural temples built during the Gupta period resemble the Indo-Aryan style.
Answer: False
3. Sati was not in practice in the Gupta Empire.
Answer: False
4. Harsha belonged to the Hinayana school of thought.
Answer: False
5. Harsha was noted for his religious intolerance.
Answer: False
5. Match the following
A. Match the following
| A | B |
|---|
| a. Mihirakula | 1. Astronomy |
| b. Aryabhatta | 2. Kumaragupta |
| c. Painting | 3. Skandagupta |
| d. Nalanda University | 4. Caravan trader |
| e. Sarthavaha | 5. Bagh |
Answers: a-3, b-1, c-5, d-2, e-4
B. Match the following
| A | B |
|---|
| a. Bana | 1. 10,000 students |
| b. Harsha | 2. Prayag |
| c. Nalanda University | 3. Harshacharita |
| d. Hiuen-Tsang | 4. Ratnavali |
| e. Buddhist Assembly | 5. Si-Yu-Ki |
Answers: a-3, b-4, c-1, d-5, e-2
6. Answer in one or two sentences
1. Who was given the title Kaviraja? Why?
Answer: Samudragupta was given the title 'Kaviraja'. He was not only a great conqueror but a lover of poetry and music and for this, he earned the title 'Kaviraja'.
2. What were the subjects taught at Nalanda University?
Answer: At Nalanda, Buddhism was the main subject of study. Other subjects like Yoga, Vedic literature and Medicine were also taught.
3. Explain the Divine Theory of Kingship.
Answer: The divine theory of kingship is the concept that king is the representative of God on earth and so he is answerable only to God and not to anyone else. This was practised by the Gupta rulers.
4. Highlight the achievement of Guptas in metallurgy.
Answer: Mining and metallurgy were the most flourishing industries during the Gupta period. The most important evidence was the Mehrauli Iron Pillar which has lasted through the centuries without rusting.
5. Who were the Huns?
Answer: Huns were the nomadic tribes, who, under their great Attila, were terrorising Rome and Constantinople. Associated with these tribes were the White Huns who came to India through Central Asia.
6. Name the three kinds of tax collected during Harsha's reign.
Answer: Bhaga, Hiranya and Bali were the three kinds of tax collected during Harsha's reign.
7. Name the books authored by Harsha.
Answer: Harsha's popular works are Ratnavali, Nagananda and Priyadarshika.
7. Answer the following briefly
1. Write a note on Prashasti.
Answer: Prashasti is a Sanskrit word, meaning commendation or 'in praise of'. Court poets flattered their kings listing out their achievements. These accounts were later engraved on pillars so that the people could read them. The Prayog Prashasti was composed by Samudragupta's court poet Harisena and engraved on the Allahabad Pillar.
2. Give an account of Samudragupta's military conquests.
Answer: Samudragupta was a great general who carried on vigorous campaigns all over the country. He conquered nine kingdoms in northern India and reduced 12 rulers of southern India to feudatories. In the southern Pallava kingdom, he defeated king Vishnugopa. He received homage from rulers of East Bengal, Assam, Nepal, eastern Punjab and various tribes of Rajasthan.
3. Describe the land classification during the Gupta period.
Answer: During the Gupta period, land was classified into different categories: Kshetra (Cultivable Land), Khila (Waste Land), Aprahata (Jungle or Forest Land), Vasti (Habitable Land), and Gapata Saraha (Pastoral Land). This classification helped in proper administration and taxation of different types of land.
4. Write about Sresti and Sarthavaha traders.
Answer: There were two types of traders during the Gupta period. Sresti traders usually settled at a standard place while Sarthavaha traders were caravan traders who carried their goods to different places. Trade items ranged from daily products to valuable and luxury goods including pepper, gold, copper, iron, horses and elephants.
5. Highlight the contribution of Guptas to architecture.
Answer: The Guptas were the first to construct temples which evolved from the earlier tradition of rock-cut shrines. These temples were adorned with towers and elaborate carvings, dedicated to Hindu deities. Notable rock-cut caves are found at Ajanta, Ellora, Bagh and Udaygiri. The structural temples built during this period resembled the characteristic features of the Dravidian style.
6. Name the works of Kalidasa.
Answer: Kalidasa's famous dramas were Sakunthala, Malavikagnimitra and Vikramorvashiyam. Other significant works of Kalidasa were Meghaduta, Raghuvamsa, Kumarasambhava and Ritusamhara. He was considered one of the Navaratnas in the court of Vikramaditya.
7. Estimate Harshavardhana as a poet and a dramatist.
Answer: Harsha was himself a poet and dramatist who gathered around him the best of poets and artists. His popular works are Ratnavali, Nagananda and Priyadarshika. His royal court was adorned by Banabhatta, Mayura, Hardatta and Jayasena, making it a center of literary excellence.
8. Higher Order Thinking
1. The gold coins issued by Gupta kings indicate ________.
a) the availability of gold mines in the kingdom b) the ability of the people to work with gold c) the prosperity of the kingdom d) the extravagant nature of kings
Answer: c) the prosperity of the kingdom
Explanation: The post-Gupta period saw a fall in the circulation of gold coins, indicating the decline in the prosperity of the empire.
2. The famous ancient paintings at Ajanta were painted on ________.
a) walls of caves b) ceilings of temples c) rocks d) papyrus
Answer: a) walls of caves
Explanation: The most important examples of the Gupta paintings are found on the Fresco of the Ajanta caves.
3. Gupta period is remembered for ________.
a) renaissance in literature and art b) expeditions to southern India c) invasion of Huns d) religious tolerance
Answer: a) renaissance in literature and art
📝 Summary
- The Gupta dynasty was founded by Sri Gupta and reached its peak under Samudragupta (335-380 CE), who conquered nine kingdoms in northern India and made 12 southern rulers his feudatories.
- Chandragupta I strengthened the dynasty by marrying Kumaradevi of the powerful Lichchhavi family, which helped him eliminate various small states and establish a larger kingdom.
- The Allahabad Pillar inscription, composed by court poet Harisena, serves as the main source of information about Samudragupta's reign and military conquests.
- After the decline of the Guptas, Harsha of the Vardhana dynasty ruled North India from 606 to 647 CE following an interregnum of nearly 50 years.
- Archaeological sources include gold, silver and copper coins issued by Gupta rulers and various inscriptions, while literary sources include Puranas, Chinese accounts by Fahien and Hiuen-Tsang, and works by Kalidasa and Harsha.