Q50. The Gupta period mathematician-astronomer famous for the Aryabhatiya was:
[SSC CGL – 2019]
A. Aryabhata
B. Varahamihira
C. Brahmagupta
D. Nagarjuna
Answer: A. Aryabhata
Explanation: Aryabhata composed the Aryabhatiya in 499 CE, treating arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometric ideas and mathematical astronomy with remarkable sophistication.
Q49. Which post-Gupta ruler was a contemporary and rival of Shashanka?
[PSC Examination – 2019]
A. Harshavardhana
B. Chandragupta II
C. Skandagupta
D. Kanishka
Answer: A. Harshavardhana
Explanation: Harsha, Shashanka of Gauda and Bhaskaravarman of Kamarupa were major actors in the political struggles of northern and eastern India during the seventh century.
Q48. The Aihole inscription describing the achievements of Pulakeshin II was composed by:
[State PSC History – 2019]
A. Ravikirti
B. Harisena
C. Banabhatta
D. Kalidasa
Answer: A. Ravikirti
Explanation: Ravikirti’s Sanskrit eulogy at Aihole records Pulakeshin II’s victories, including his resistance to Harsha, and is a major source for Chalukya history.
Q47. The theory of Indian feudalism in the post-Gupta period has been debated because:
[WBCS Mains – 2018]
A. Not every grant produced European-style feudal relations
B. Peasants cannot uniformly be treated as serfs
C. Brahmana donees were not necessarily a warrior ruling class
D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Explanation: Historians debate whether European concepts of feudalism can be directly applied to India’s varied land-grant, peasant and political relationships.
Q46. The Aihole inscription is associated with which ruler?
[RRB Group D – 2018]
A. Pulakeshin II
B. Harsha
C. Samudragupta
D. Skandagupta
Answer: A. Pulakeshin II
Explanation: Ravikirti’s Aihole inscription celebrates Pulakeshin II’s Chalukya achievements, including his victory over Harshavardhana and campaigns against neighbouring powers.
Q45. Which Gupta ruler is portrayed playing the Veena on coins?
[SSC CHSL – 2018]
A. Samudragupta
B. Kumaragupta
C. Skandagupta
D. Chandragupta I
Answer: A. Samudragupta
Explanation: The lyrist-type coins demonstrate Samudragupta’s cultivated royal persona as both conqueror and patron-practitioner of music and artistic accomplishment.
Q44. The title Kaviraja belonged to:
[SSC CHSL – 2018]
A. Samudragupta
B. Chandragupta II
C. Harsha
D. Skandagupta
Answer: A. Samudragupta
Explanation: Kaviraja highlights Samudragupta’s literary accomplishments, complementing inscriptional and numismatic evidence depicting him as warrior, poet, musician and imperial sovereign.
Q43. According to traditional accounts, Kalidasa was associated with the reign of:
[RPSC 2nd Grade – 2018]
A. Chandragupta II
B. Ashoka
C. Kanishka
D. Harsha
Answer: A. Chandragupta II
Explanation: Kalidasa is conventionally placed in the Gupta cultural milieu and traditionally linked with Vikramaditya, although his precise chronology remains debated among scholars.
Q42. According to Gaurishankar Hirachand Ojha, the Guptas were considered to belong to which varna?
[RPSC 2nd Grade – 2018]
A. Kshatriya
B. Vaishya
C. Shudra
D. Brahmana
Answer: A. Kshatriya
Explanation: The social origin of the Guptas has long been debated; Ojha supported a Kshatriya origin, while other historians have proposed alternative interpretations.
Q41. Which architectural form became increasingly established during Gupta rule?
[RAS Prelims – 2018]
A. Free-standing structural temples
B. Gothic cathedrals
C. Indo-Islamic domes
D. Mughal charbaghs
Answer: A. Free-standing structural temples
Explanation: Gupta builders experimented with square sanctums, pillared porches, elevated platforms and emerging superstructures, laying important foundations for later Hindu temple architecture.
