Q90. Which Gupta emperor is depicted playing a Veena on some of his coins?
[UPSSSC/PET Question Bank – 2021]
A. Samudragupta
B. Skandagupta
C. Chandragupta I
D. Kumaragupta
Answer: A. Samudragupta
Explanation: Samudragupta’s “lyrist” gold coins portray him seated and playing a stringed instrument, providing unusual evidence for royal participation in music.
Q89. After Gupta decline and before Harsha’s rise, which powers held territory in northern India?
[UPSC CSE Prelims – 2021]
A. Later Guptas, Pushyabhutis, Maukharis and Maitrakas
B. Cholas, Hoysalas and Kakatiyas only
C. Delhi Sultans and Palas
D. Mauryas and Shungas
Answer: A. Later Guptas, Pushyabhutis, Maukharis and Maitrakas
Explanation: Northern India fragmented after Gupta decline, allowing several regional houses—including Later Guptas, Maukharis, Pushyabhutis and Maitrakas—to exercise power simultaneously.
Q88. Which statements about the Bhitargaon temple are correct? (1) It dates broadly to the 5th–6th century CE. (2) It is among India’s oldest surviving brick temples.
[UPPSC RO/ARO – 2021]
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither
Answer: C. Both 1 and 2
Explanation: Bhitargaon is a major Gupta-age brick temple with terracotta decoration and represents a crucial stage in the development of structural Hindu temple architecture.
Q87. Who was the first Gupta ruler in the imperial line to emerge as a major sovereign?
[SSC Stenographer – 2021]
A. Chandragupta I
B. Samudragupta
C. Ramagupta
D. Kumaragupta
Answer: A. Chandragupta I
Explanation: Chandragupta I transformed the dynasty’s status, adopted Maharajadhiraja and strengthened Gupta authority through territorial expansion and his Lichchhavi marriage alliance.
Q86. Which Gupta ruler first assumed Maharajadhiraja?
[SSC GD – 2021]
A. Samudragupta
B. Chandragupta I
C. Chandragupta II
D. Ramagupta
Answer: B. Chandragupta I
Explanation: The title marked a clear elevation from the earlier Maharaja designation of Sri Gupta and Ghatotkacha and signalled growing Gupta imperial aspirations.
Q85. Which event occurred earliest?
[SSC GD – 2021]
A. Beginning of Gupta Era
B. Beginning of Saka Era
C. Accession of Harsha
D. Death of Alexander
Answer: D. Death of Alexander
Explanation: Alexander died in 323 BCE; the Saka Era began in 78 CE, Gupta Era around 319–320 CE, and Harsha ascended in 606 CE.
Q84. Which Pala king founded Vikramashila University and was an important patron of Buddhist learning?
[SSC CGL – 2021]
A. Gopala
B. Dharmapala
C. Devapala
D. Mahipala
Answer: B. Dharmapala
Explanation: Dharmapala established Vikramashila in Bihar and strongly patronized Buddhist institutions, helping eastern India become a major international centre of Buddhist scholarship.
Q83. In post-Harsha India, a Hundi functioned primarily as a:
[UPSC CSE Prelims – 2020]
A. Land grant
B. Bill of exchange or credit instrument
C. Military rank
D. Temple tax
Answer: B. Bill of exchange or credit instrument
Explanation: Hundis functioned as indigenous negotiable credit instruments facilitating remittance, borrowing and commercial transactions across long-distance trading networks.
Q82. Which statement about Gupta coinage is NOT correct?
[UPSC CDS – 2020]
A. Guptas issued impressive gold coins
B. Silver issues appeared after western conquests
C. Copper was their largest and most important coinage
D. Coins depicted rulers and deities
Answer: C. Copper was their largest and most important coinage
Explanation: Gupta numismatics is especially renowned for abundant and artistically sophisticated gold coinage; copper issues were comparatively limited and never formed the dominant series.
Q81. Match the Gupta rulers with their queens: Chandragupta I–?, Samudragupta–?, Chandragupta II–?, Kumaragupta I–?
[UPPSC BEO – 2020]
A. Kumaradevi, Dattadevi, Kuberanaga, Anantadevi
B. Dattadevi, Kumaradevi, Anantadevi, Kuberanaga
C. Kuberanaga, Dattadevi, Kumaradevi, Anantadevi
D. Anantadevi, Kuberanaga, Dattadevi, Kumaradevi
Answer: A. Kumaradevi, Dattadevi, Kuberanaga, Anantadevi
Explanation: Gupta matrimonial alliances were politically important, particularly Chandragupta I’s Lichchhavi marriage and Chandragupta II’s Naga connection through Kuberanaga.
