Q100. Who was called the “Napoleon of India”?
[SSC CGL – 2021]
A. Samudragupta
B. Chandragupta I
C. Harsha
D. Skandagupta
Answer: A. Samudragupta
Explanation: V. A. Smith’s famous comparison was based on Samudragupta’s extensive conquests described in the Prayaga Prashasti, although modern historians use such analogies cautiously.
Q99. Who composed the Allahabad Pillar eulogy of Samudragupta?
[SSC CGL – 2021]
A. Harisena
B. Kalidasa
C. Banabhatta
D. Amarasimha
Answer: A. Harisena
Explanation: Harisena’s polished Sanskrit composition records Samudragupta’s military and diplomatic achievements and gives exceptional information about fourth-century Indian political geography.
Q98. Prabhavati Gupta was the daughter of Kuberanaga and which Gupta emperor?
[SSC CHSL – 2021]
A. Chandragupta I
B. Chandragupta II
C. Kumaragupta
D. Skandagupta
Answer: B. Chandragupta II
Explanation: Prabhavati Gupta married Vakataka ruler Rudrasena II and later served as regent, helping create an important political connection between the Guptas and Vakatakas.
Q97. The famous painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is found in:
[SSC CHSL – 2021]
A. Ajanta Cave 1
B. Ellora Cave 16
C. Elephanta Cave 1
D. Udayagiri Cave 5
Answer: A. Ajanta Cave 1
Explanation: The Padmapani mural in Ajanta Cave 1 is among the finest surviving examples of classical Indian Buddhist painting associated with the late Gupta-Vakataka cultural milieu.
Q96. The Ajanta caves are located in which present-day state?
[SSC CHSL – 2021]
A. Maharashtra
B. Gujarat
C. Bihar
D. Madhya Pradesh
Answer: A. Maharashtra
Explanation: Ajanta’s rock-cut Buddhist caves lie in Maharashtra and preserve architecture, sculpture and murals produced across several centuries, especially flourishing under Vakataka patronage.
Q95. Which Gupta ruler married the Lichchhavi princess Kumaradevi?
[SSC MTS – 2021]
A. Sri Gupta
B. Chandragupta I
C. Samudragupta
D. Skandagupta
Answer: B. Chandragupta I
Explanation: The politically significant marriage strengthened Gupta prestige and is commemorated on distinctive coins depicting Chandragupta I together with Kumaradevi.
Q94. In Gupta administration, a Vithi was a:
[SSC MTS – 2021]
A. Military regiment
B. Territorial administrative unit
C. Royal bodyguard
D. Coin denomination
Answer: B. Territorial administrative unit
Explanation: Vithi represented a subdivision below the Vishaya in parts of the Gupta administrative system, demonstrating the empire’s layered territorial organization.
Q93. Shashanka was ruler of:
[SSC MTS – 2021]
A. Gauda
B. Malwa
C. Valabhi
D. Kanchi
Answer: A. Gauda
Explanation: Shashanka ruled Bengal from Karnasuvarna and became an important rival of Harsha and Bhaskaravarman during the early seventh century.
Q92. Banabhatta flourished during whose reign?
[SSC MTS – 2021]
A. Harshavardhana
B. Samudragupta
C. Ashoka
D. Kanishka
Answer: A. Harshavardhana
Explanation: Bana was attached to Harsha’s court and immortalized his patron in Harshacharita, besides producing the celebrated prose romance Kadambari.
Q91. Which dynasty dominated much of northern India approximately between 320 and 550 CE?
[SSC MTS – 2021]
A. Gupta
B. Hoysala
C. Chola
D. Lodhi
Answer: A. Gupta
Explanation: Gupta imperial power arose in the fourth century CE and remained a major force until the sixth century, though regional authority varied considerably.
