Gupta Empire [320-550 AD]: Comprehensive UPSC PSC Notes

Overview of the Gupta Empire

• Division of India in the 4th Century AD:
  • In the 4th century AD, India was divided into many parts. The North-West and Western regions were dominated by foreign kings.
  • The rule of the Nagas was established in the Ganga-Yamuna doab region.
  • Several petty kingdoms and tribal states arose in the rest of northern India. South India was also divided into many states.
• Rise of the Gupta Dynasty:
  • The Gupta dynasty from eastern India emerged as a unifying force.
  • They successfully re-established political unity across large parts of India.
• The Golden Age of India: The period of Gupta rule is considered the Golden Age or Classical Age of India by historians.
• Comparison to the Age of Pericles: Historian Burnet compares the Gupta Age with the Age of Pericles in Greece.

Sources of the Gupta Empire

The primary sources of information about the Gupta Empire (320 CE–550 CE) include literary works, inscriptions, coins, and archaeological evidence. These sources provide significant details about the polity, administration, economy, culture, and religion of the Gupta period.

1. Literary Sources

These include religious texts, literary compositions, and accounts by foreign travellers:

• a) Religious Texts
  • Puranas (e.g., Vayu Purana, Vishnu Purana, Matsya Purana, Bhagavata Purana, Skanda Purana, and Markandeya Purana) provide genealogies and descriptions of Gupta kings.
  • Buddhist Texts: Buddhacharita and Jataka tales refer to contemporary social and religious life.

• b) Secular Literature
  • Kalidasa’s Works: Abhijnanasakuntalam, Meghadutam, Raghuvamsha, and Kumarasambhava depict the social and cultural life of the Gupta period.
  • Amarakosha: A Sanskrit lexicon by Amarasimha.
  • Kamasutra: Written by Vatsyayana, describing aspects of urban life and leisure.
  • Mudrarakshasa: A play by Vishakhadatta that refers to the political climate of the time.
  • Sudraka’s Mrichchakatika describes the unstable political conditions during the Gupta period.

• c) Foreign Accounts
  • Fa-Hien (Faxian): A Chinese Buddhist monk who travelled to India during Chandragupta II’s reign. His account (Fo-Kuo-Ki) provides valuable information on governance, Buddhism, and society in the Gupta period.
  • Yijing: According to Yijing, a 7th-century Chinese Buddhist monk, King Che-li-ki-to (believed to be a transcription of “Shrigupta“) built a temple for Chinese pilgrims near Mi-li-kia-si-kia-po-no (believed to be a transcription of Mrigashikhavana). Yijing mentioned that this temple was located more than 40 yojanas east of Nalanda, which indicated that the temple was located somewhere in modern-day Bengal.

2. Inscriptions

Inscriptions are an essential and reliable source of information for reconstructing the history of the Gupta period. They are primarily found on stone and copper plates.

• Allahabad Pillar Inscription (Prayag Prashasti):
  • Composed by Harisena, this inscription provides extensive details about Samudragupta’s accession, military campaigns, relationships with contemporary rulers, and his accomplishments as a scholar and poet.
  • It is written in Sanskrit, using the Nagari script, and engraved on an Ashokan pillar.
• Iron Pillar Inscription (Mehrauli, Delhi):
  • Erected during the time of Chandragupta II.
  • Highlights Gupta’s metallurgical advancements and mentions a “king of great prowess.”
• Junagarh Rock Inscription:
  • By Skandagupta.
  • Describes his achievements, including his campaigns against the Hunas.
• Other Notable Inscriptions:
  • Eran Inscription (mentions sati practice).
  • Bhitari Inscription (related to Skandagupta’s military achievements).
  • Various land grant inscriptions (revealing economic and administrative policies).

3. Numismatic Sources

The Gupta kings issued a large number of gold and silver coins, which are invaluable for reconstructing the history of the period:

• The majority of the Gupta coins feature legends and symbols showcasing their artistic excellence.
• In terms of design, execution, and artistic composition, Gupta coins closely resemble the Greek and Kushan coins.
• The Kumaradevi-type coins of Chandragupta I are the earliest coins of the Gupta dynasty.
• Coins issued by rulers such as Chandragupta I, Samudragupta, Chandragupta II, Kumaragupta, Skandagupta, and Budhagupta are of immense value for understanding the social, economic, political, religious, and artistic achievements of the Gupta period.

4. Archaeological Sources

Remains of temples, sculptures, and stupas reflect the Gupta Empire’s art and architecture:

• Temples:
  • Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh (early Gupta temple architecture).
  • Bhitargaon Temple (brick temple).
• Cave Architecture:
  • Ajanta and Ellora caves (Buddhist paintings and carvings).
  • Udayagiri Caves (Hindu sculptures).
• Stupas and Monasteries:
  • Buddhist stupas at Sarnath, Nalanda, and Bodhgaya.

5. Scientific Sources

The Gupta period is known as a Golden Age due to advancements in science, mathematics, and astronomy:

• Aryabhata: Wrote Aryabhatiya, introducing concepts like zero, decimal system, and heliocentrism.
• Varahamihira: Authored Brihat Samhita, covering astronomy, astrology, and weather science.
• Medical texts like Sushruta Samhita and Charaka Samhita were compiled and revised.

The history of the Gupta period can be reconstructed from a variety of source materials, including literary works, inscriptions, coins, and monuments.

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Gupta Dynasty Rulers

Sri Gupta (240-280 CE)

• Sri Gupta was the founder of the Gupta Empire.
• According to the Allahabad Pillar inscription Sri Gupta and his son Ghatotkacha used the title, Maharaja.

Ghatotkacha (280-319 CE)

• Ghatotkacha succeeded his father Srigupta.
• He also took the title of Maharaja.

Chandragupta I: The Founder of the Gupta Empire

• Early Life and Title:
  • Chandragupta I, the son of Ghatotkacha, was the first independent ruler of the Gupta dynasty.
  • He was more powerful than his predecessors and assumed the title Maharajadhiraja (great king of kings), unlike his ancestors who were called Maharaja.
  • He is regarded as the founder of the Gupta Empire.
  • The Gupta Era commenced on 26th February 320 CE and continued for centuries in parts of India.
• Marriage with Kumaradevi:
  • Chandragupta I married Kumaradevi, a princess of the Lichchhavi clan.
  • This marriage significantly enhanced his political power and prestige.
  • The marriage was commemorated on coins issued during his reign.
  • These coins, called Chandragupta-Kumaradevi type coins, bear:
  • Obverse: The figures and names of Chandragupta and Kumaradevi.
  • Reverse: A goddess seated on a lion with the inscription Lichchavayah.
• Political Significance of the Marriage:
  • Historian V.A. Smith believed that Kumaradevi brought valuable political influence as part of her dowry.
  • This alliance likely resulted in the amalgamation of the Gupta and Lichchhavi states.
  • Chandragupta might have gained control of the Lichchhavi territory before the accession of his son, Samudragupta.
  • The acquisition of Magadha gave the Guptas access to valuable resources, including precious mines in modern-day Jharkhand.
• Extent of the Empire:
  • According to the Vishnupurana, the Guptas ruled territories along the Ganga, up to Prayaga (Allahabad), including Saketa and Magadha.
  • Chandragupta I’s empire likely included modern Bihar, parts of Uttar Pradesh, and Bengal.
• Gold Coins of Chandragupta I:
  • Chandragupta I was the first Gupta ruler to issue gold coins.
  • Coins bearing portraits of Chandragupta and Kumaradevi have been found in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Bihar.
  • These coins reflect the importance of the Lichchhavi marriage alliance.
• Legacy and Samudragupta:
  • Chandragupta I’s son, Samudragupta, is referred to as Lichchavi-Dauhitra (grandson of the Lichchhavis) in Gupta inscriptions, underscoring the significance of his maternal lineage.

Samudragupta

• Early Life:
  • Samudragupta was the son of Gupta Emperor Chandragupta I and the Licchavi princess Kumaradevi.
  • He became the ruler after defeating his rival Kacha, an obscure prince of the dynasty.
• Allahabad Pillar Inscription:
  • The Allahabad Pillar inscription, composed by his court poet Harishena, eulogizes his achievements, conquests, and personality.
  • It provides a detailed account of his extensive military conquests and victories.
• Military Conquests:
  Samudragupta’s conquests can be divided into four groups:
  1. Aryavarta Campaign (Northern India):
     • Samudragupta defeated eight kings of Aryavarta and incorporated their kingdoms into the Gupta Empire.
     • Notable rulers he defeated include:
       • Achyuta (Ahichchatra)
       • Nagasena (Padmavati)
       • Ganapatideva (Mathura)
     • To prevent retaliation from the Naga rulers, Samudragupta formed a diplomatic matrimonial alliance with Ganapatinaga, giving his daughter Kuberanaga in marriage to Chandragupta II, his son.
  2. Border States and Tribal Republics:
     • Five border states and nine tribal republics were subdued and forced to pay taxes and follow his orders:
       • Border States: Samatata (East Bengal), Davaka (Assam), Kamarupa (Assam), Nepala, Kartipura (Kashmir).Tribal Republics: Malavas, Arjunayanas, Yaudheyas, Madrakas, Abhiras, Prarjunas, Sarakinakas, Kavas, Kharaparikas.
  3. Deccan and Southern Campaign:
     • Twelve rulers of the Eastern Deccan and South India were defeated but reinstated as subordinate rulers. These include:
       • Mahendra of Kosala, Mahendra of Pisthapura, Hastivarman of Vengi (Salankayana ruler), Ugrasena of Palaka (Nellore, Andhra Pradesh), Vishnu Gopa of Kanchi (Pallava ruler), Rulers of Erandapalli, Devarashtra, Avamuktha, Dusthalapura, Mahakantara, Kurala, and Kothura.
  4. Foreign Kings and Island Nations:
     • Foreign rulers accepted Samudragupta’s suzerainty, including:
       • Daivaputra Shahi Sahanushahi
       • Shaka Murundas
       • Samudragupta had such influence over his contemporaries that the foreign rulers of north-west India, Malwa, and Kathiawar region accepted his allegiance and established alliances with him. Harishena has mentioned all these rulers as “Daivaputra-Shahi-Shahanushahi-Shaka-Murundas“. They were the successors of the Kushans and Shakas, the erstwhile rulers of a large part of North-West and West India.
       • The rulers of Simhala (Sri Lanka) and other islands, offered gifts, maidens, and services.
• Relations with Sri Lanka:
  • King Meghavarna of Sri Lanka sent an ambassador to Samudragupta’s court.
  • Meghavarna sought permission to build a Buddhist monastery at Buddha Gaya, which Samudragupta granted.
• Extent of the Empire:
  • Samudragupta’s empire covered:
    • Northern India: Upper Gangetic Valley, Central India, and parts of Bengal.
    • Western and Northwestern India: Former Saka and Kushana principalities.
    • Deccan and Southern India: Kings paid homage and accepted his overlordship.
    • Sri Lanka: Acknowledged Gupta suzerainty.
• Ashvamedha Sacrifice and Coinage:
  • To proclaim his conquests and power, Samudragupta performed the Ashvamedha sacrifice.
  • He issued special gold coins, known as the Ashvamedha type coins, to commemorate the event.
• Patron of Arts and Literature:
  • Samudragupta was not just a conqueror but also a poet, musician, and patron of learning.
  • The Allahabad Prasasti describes him as a Kaviraja (King among poets).
  • He is credited with writing the Krishnacharita in Sanskrit.
  • His court was adorned by Harishena, a renowned Sanskrit scholar.
• Musical Talent:
  • A portrait of him playing the Veena (lyre) on some coins attests to his skill in music.
  • These coins reflect his deep interest in music and culture.
• Religious Tolerance and Patronage:
  • Samudragupta was an ardent follower of Vaishnavism.
  • Despite this, he was tolerant of other religions and supported Buddhism.
  • He patronized the great Buddhist scholar Vasubandhu.
• Napoleon of India:
  • Samudragupta has been aptly called the “Napoleon of India” by historian Vincent Smith based on his outstanding leadership and organizational skills, particularly in the Deccan campaign.

Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya)

• Chandragupta II inherited a vast empire.
• He married a Naga princess named Kubernaga and gave his daughter Prabhavati Gupta in marriage to King Rudrasena II of Vakataka descent. This connection with the Nagas and the Bakatakas was particularly helpful in the war against the Shakas in western India
• In the late fourth century, Chandragupta II Vikramaditya killed the last Saka ruler and conquered Malwa and Kathiawar.
• He was a devout Vaishnava.
• Apart from gold coins, he circulated many copper and silver coins.

Kumaragupta

• Chandra Gupta II was succeeded by his son Kumar Gupta I.
• He assumed the title ‘Mahendaditya‘.
• At the end of his reign, society was in danger due to the attack of a group called Pushyamita.

Skandagupta: The Last Notable Ruler of the Gupta Dynasty

• Introduction:
  • Skandagupta, who reigned for only a few years from 455 AD to 467 AD, is regarded as the last mighty ruler of the Gupta dynasty. Known for his vigour and determination, he faced numerous challenges during his reign.
• Restoration of Sudarsana Lake:
  • An inscription at Girnar Hill near Junagarh in Kathiawar mentions the restoration of Sudarsana Lake’s embankment. The embankment had collapsed due to heavy rainfall during the initial year of Skandagupta’s rule. The Saurashtra governor and his son took immediate action to repair it.
• Conflict with the Huns:
  • During Skandagupta’s rule, the Huns invaded the Gupta territory. He successfully defended his empire against these foreign invaders. However, the prolonged wars adversely affected the empire’s resources.
• Assumption of the Title Vikramaditya:
  • After successfully resisting the Huns, he assumed the title of ‘Vikramaditya‘.
• Economic Challenges and Coinage:
  • The economic impact of these wars is reflected in Skandagupta’s coinage. His gold coins, though fewer in number, also show a decline in purity.
• Decline of the Gupta Empire:
  • The last recorded date of Skandagupta’s rule is 467 CE, marking his reign from 455 CE to 467 CE. Following his death, the Gupta Empire experienced political fragmentation and instability, leading to its eventual decline.
• Religious Affiliation:
  • Skandagupta was a devotee of Vaishnavism, a dominant religious practice during the Gupta era.
• Bhitari Pillar Inscription:
  • The Bhitari pillar inscription, discovered in Bhitari village, Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, provides valuable information about the chronology of the Gupta rulers.

Administration of the Gupta Era

• Empire Hierarchy:
  • The Gupta Empire had a well-organized administrative structure.
  • Different terms like Rajya, Rashtra, Desha, Mandala, Prithvi, and Avani were used to refer to the empire.
• Provinces:
  • The empire was divided into 26 provinces.
  • Provinces were known as Bhukti, Pradesha, and Bhoga.
• Districts:
  • Each province was further divided into districts called Vishayas.
  • A Vishayapati managed each Vishaya.
• Council of Representatives:
  • Vishayapatis was assisted by a council called the Adhikarana.
  • The Adhikarana had four main representatives:
    • Nagarasreshesthi (chief of the city)
    • Sarthavaha (chief merchant)
    • Prathamakulika (chief artisan)
    • Prathama Kayastha (chief scribe)
• Sub-Divisions:
  • Parts of a Vishaya were called Vithis.

Gupta Literature

• A European scholar rightly said that the Gupta era occupies the same place in the history of classical India as the age of Pericles in Greece’s history.

Writers	Works
Kalidasa	Vikramovarshiya Malavikagnimitram Raghuvamsa Ritusamharam Meghadutam Abhigyan Shakuntalam
Bhasa	Swapnavasavadatta Charudatta Pratignayaugandharayana
Vishakhadatta	Mudrarakshasa Devichandraguptam
Shudraka	Mrichchakatika
Harisena	Prayag Prasasti
Dandin	Kavyadarshana Dasakumarcharita
Amarsimha	Amarakosha
Chandragomin	Chandravyakarana
Vatsyayana	Kamasutra
Bhamah	Kavyalankara
Bharavi	Kiratarjuniya

Fa-Hien’s Visit to India during Chandragupta II’s Reign

Faxian (337- 422 AD), also known as Fa-hien, was a Chinese Buddhist monk who travelled from China to India to collect Buddhist scriptures. He started his journey at around 60 years of age, walking along the Silk Road. He spent 10 years exploring Buddhist sites in India. Faxian wrote about his journey in a book called ‘Record of the Buddhist Kingdoms‘, which gives important details about early Buddhism in India. The scriptures he brought back helped spread Buddhism in China and other parts of East Asia. Fa-Hien’s travelogue offers detailed insights into the social, religious, and cultural aspects of India during Chandragupta II’s reign.

• Journey to India:
  • Fa-Hien visited India during the reign of Chandragupta II around 400-411 AD.
  • He crossed the Gobi desert, Khotan hills, the Pamir plateau, Swat, and Gandhara to reach India.

• Cities Visited: He travelled extensively through Peshawar, Mathura, Kannauj, Srabasti, Varanasi, Kapilavastu, Kushinagar, Vaishali, and Patliputra.

• Purpose of Visit: His primary objective was to find Buddhist manuscripts and relics. So he travelled to places considered sacred to Buddhists.

• Duration of Stay:
  • Fa-Hien stayed in India for over 10 years, focusing on regions with a strong Buddhist influence.
  • He spent two years in Tamralipti (Tamluk in the Medinipur district of West Bengal), studying and copying manuscripts during his stay.
  • He did not mention the name of Chandragupta II in his travelogue, but he has recorded fascinating details about the country.

• Life in Patliputra:
  • Fa-Hien spent 3 years in Patliputra, where he studied Sanskrit.
  • He described two large Buddhist monasteries in Patliputra, centres for meditation and education for Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhism.
  • Students from different parts of India came to study at these monasteries.

• Observations on Society:
  • Fa-Hien was amazed by the ruins of Ashoka’s palace. He said that demons appointed by Ashoka built this palace.
  • He described an excellent hospital in Patliputra offering free medicines to the poor.
  • He noted the presence of restrooms in major cities and along highways.
  • He observed that most inhabitants of the middle country (northern Gangetic valley), the heartland of the empire, were vegetarians and practised non-violence, except for the Chandals.

• Spread of Buddhism: According to Fa-Hien, Buddhism was popular in Punjab and Bangadesha, and was spreading in Mathura.

• Return Journey: On his way back home, Fa-Hien boarded a ship at the famous seaport of Tamralipti bound for Sinhala and Jabadweep.

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Gupta Empire at a Glance

Topic	Details
Period	320 CE – 550 CE
Territory	North and central India, parts of western India, and Bengal
Capital	Pataliputra (modern-day Patna, Bihar), Ujjain, Ayodhya
Common Languages	Sanskrit (literary and academic), Prakrit (vernacular)
Religion	Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism
Key Rulers	• Gupta (240–280 CE) (founder)
	• Ghatotkacha (280–319 CE)
	• Chandragupta I (319–335 CE)
	• Samudragupta (335–375 CE)
	• Chandragupta II (375–415 CE) (Vikramaditya)
	• Kumaragupta I (415–455 CE)
	• Skandagupta (455–467 CE)
	• Vishnugupta (540–550 CE) (last ruler)
Historical Era	Classical India (The period between the Mauryan Empire and the end of the Gupta Empire)
Key Dates	• Empire Established: 240 CE
	• Coronation of Chandragupta I: 320 CE
	• Empire Disestablished: 550 CE
Currency	Dinara (Gold Coins), Rupaka (Silver Coins), Karshapana (Copper Coins), Cowries
Notable Contributions	Decimal system, concept of zero, advances in astronomy, architecture, Sanskrit literature, golden age of art and culture
Famous Scholars	Aryabhata (astronomy), Kalidasa (literature)
Decline	Invasions by the Huns and internal dissent by the late 5th century
Golden Age	Considered the Golden Age of India, akin to Periclean Greece

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Gupta Dynasty UPSC PSC MCQs

Who founded the Gupta Dynasty? [SSC CGL 2015]
(a) Chandragupta-II
(b) Chandragupta-I
(c) Samudragupta
(d) Srigupta
Answer: (d) Srigupta

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The Gupta dynasty ruled during [CGPSC 2003]
(a) 319-500 AD
(b) 319-324 AD
(c) 325-375 AD
(d) 566-597 AD
Answer: (a) 319-500 AD

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Who constructed the rust-free iron pillar at Mehrauli? [SSC 2012]
(a) Gupta
(b) Satavahana
(c) Maurya
(d) Kushan
Answer: (a) Gupta

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The iron column, located in the courtyard of Delhi’s Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque is a retention of [UPPSC (Pre) 2002]
(a) Ashoka
(b) Chandra
(c) Harsha
(d) Anangpal
Answer: (b) Chandra

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Gupta dynasty was famous for [SSC 2001]
(a) Art and architecture
(b) Imperialism
(c) Revenue and land reform
(d) None of the above
Answer: (a) Art and architecture

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In the Gupta period, the largest number of coins were issued in [SSC 2008]
(a) Gold
(b) Silver
(c) Copper
(d) Iron
Answer: (a) Gold

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The coins of which of the following reveal their love for music? [SSC 2011]
(a) Mauryas
(b) Nandas
(c) Guptas
(d) Cholas
Answer: (c) Guptas

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Which (among these) are Gupta’s gold coins? [UPPSC (Pre) 1992]
(a) Kaudi
(b) Dinara
(c) Nishka
(d) Pan
Answer: (b) Dinara

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Ajanta caves were built during the period of [SSC 2014]
(a) Gupta
(b) Kushana
(c) Maurya
(d) Chalukya
Answer: (a) Gupta

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In Ancient India, which dynasty’s rule is considered the golden age? [UPPSC (Pre) 2004]
(a) Mauryan
(b) Shunga
(c) Gupta
(d) Magadha
Answer: (c) Gupta

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Which one of the following statements about the Gupta period is not correct? [Astt. Comm. 2017]
(a) Forced labour (Vishti) became more common than before in this period.
(b) A passage in the Vishnu Purana refers to the Guptas enjoying all the territories along the Ganga up to Prayaga.
(c) The Mehrauli inscription suggests that Chandragupta fought against a confederacy of enemies in Bengal and also led a campaign into Punjab.
(d) Saurashtra was not a part of the Gupta empire.
Answer: (d) Saurashtra was not a part of the Gupta empire.

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Consider the following statements.
(i) Gupta rulers were the vassals of Kushans.
(ii) The original kingdom of the Guptas comprised Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) Only I
(b) Only II
(c) Both I and II
(d) Neither I nor II
Answer: (c) Both I and II

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The Gupta Samvat was founded by [SSC 2006]
(a) Chandragupta-I
(b) Chandragupta-II
(c) Samudragupta
(d) Kumaragupta
Answer: (a) Chandragupta-I

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Who was the first Gupta ruler to attain the title of ‘Maharaja Dhiraja’? [SSC 2018]
(a) Chandragupta-I
(b) Samudragupta
(c) Kumargupta
(d) Skandagupta
Answer: (a) Chandragupta-I

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Who of the following was the first Gupta ruler to issue coins? [UPPSC (Mains) 2010]
(a) Chandragupta-I
(b) Ghatotkacha
(c) Samudragupta
(d) Srigupta
Answer: (a) Chandragupta-I

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Who established Gupta Samvat? [MPPSC (Pre) 1991]
(a) Chandragupta-I
(b) Srigupta
(c) Chandragupta-II
(d) Ghatotkacha
Answer: (a) Chandragupta-I

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Who is called the Napoleon of Ancient India? [BPSC 2015]
(a) Chandragupta Maurya
(b) Pushyamitra
(c) Kanishka
(d) Samudragupta
Answer: (d) Samudragupta

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‘Prithivyah Pratham Veer’ was the title of [UPPSC (Pre) 2016]
(a) Samudragupta
(b) Rajendra-I
(c) Amoghavarsha
(d) Gautamiputra Shatkarni
Answer: (a) Samudragupta

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Which of the following pillar inscriptions has recorded the achievements of Samudragupta, who was known as the ‘Napoleon of India’ for his conquests? [SSC CGL 2019]
(a) Iron Pillar
(b) Sun Pillar
(c) Vijaya Stambha
(d) Allahabad Pillar
Answer: (d) Allahabad Pillar

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An inscription by which of the following is found on the pillar containing Prayag Prashasti of Samudragupta? [UPRO/ARO (Pre) 2016]
(a) Jahangir
(b) Shah Jahan
(c) Aurangzeb
(d) Dara Shikoh
Answer: (a) Jahangir

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The Allahabad pillar inscription is associated with which one of the following? [IAS (Pre) 2006]
(a) Mahapadma Nanda
(b) Chandragupta Maurya
(c) Ashoka
(d) Samudragupta
Answer: (d) Samudragupta

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Who of the following Gupta kings granted permission to Meghverma, the ruler of Sri Lanka, to build a Buddhist temple at Gaya? [CDS 2003]
(a) Chandragupta I
(b) Samudragupta
(c) Chandragupta II
(d) Skandagupta
Answer: (b) Samudragupta

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Prayag Prashashti tells about the military campaign of [UP Lower Sub (Pre) 2004]
(a) Chandragupta-I
(b) Samudragupta
(c) Chandragupta-II
(d) Kumaragupta
Answer: (b) Samudragupta

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Who among the following Gupta kings had another name Devagupta? [UPPSC (Mains) 2007]
(a) Samudragupta
(b) Chandragupta-II
(c) Kumaragupta
(d) None of these
Answer: (b) Chandragupta-II

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What was Chandragupta-II also known as? [SSC 2010]
(a) Samudragupta
(b) Skandagupta
(c) Vikramaditya
(d) Ranna Gupta
Answer: (c) Vikramaditya

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The first Gupta ruler to assume the title of ‘Param Bhagavata’ was [UPPSC (Pre) 2009]
(a) Chandragupta-I
(b) Samudragupta
(c) Chandragupta-II
(d) Srigupta
Answer: (c) Chandragupta-II

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Who was the first Gupta ruler to issue silver coins? [UP UDA/LDA (Mains) 2010]
(a) Chandragupta-I
(b) Samudragupta
(c) Chandragupta-II
(d) Kumaragupta
Answer: (c) Chandragupta-II

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Who is known as the ‘Saka conqueror’? [UP UDA/LDA (Pre) 2010]
(a) Chandragupta-I
(b) Samudragupta
(c) Chandragupta-II
(d) Kumaragupta
Answer: (c) Chandragupta-II

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Who of the following among the nine gems of Chandragupta was associated with astrology? [UP Lower Sub (Pre) 2008]
(a) Vararuchi
(b) Sanku
(c) Kshapanaka
(d) Amar Singh
Answer: (c) Kshapanaka

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Kalidas was in the ruling period of [MPPSC (Pre) 1990]
(a) Samudragupta
(b) Ashoka
(c) Chandragupta-I
(d) Chandragupta-II
Answer: (d) Chandragupta-II

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The second capital of the Gupta ruler, Chandragupta-II was [RPSC 2008]
(a) Ujjain
(b) Malwa
(c) Saurashtra
(d) Mehrauli
Answer: (a) Ujjain

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Aryabhatta and Kalidasa were in the court of which Gupta ruler? [SSC CGL 2016]
(a) Kumaragupta-I
(b) Chandragupta-II
(c) Samudragupta
(d) Skandagupta
Answer: (b) Chandragupta-II

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During which Gupta king’s reign did the Chinese traveller Fa-hien visit India? [SSC CPO 2008]
(a) Chandragupta-I
(b) Samudragupta
(c) Chandragupta-II
(d) Kumaragupta
Answer: (c) Chandragupta-II

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Fa-Hien’s mission to India was to [CDS 2009]
(a) Learn about the administrative system of the Gupta kings.
(b) Understand the social position of women during the Gupta period.
(c) Visit the Buddhist institutions and collect copies of Buddhist manuscripts.
(d) Get full knowledge about the condition of peasants during the period of the Gupta kings.
Answer: (c) Visit the Buddhist institutions and collect copies of Buddhist manuscripts.

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