Q30. The rust-resistant Iron Pillar is presently located at:
[SSC MTS – 2017]
A. Delhi
B. Patna
C. Ujjain
D. Sanchi
Answer: A. Delhi
Explanation: The pillar stands in Delhi’s Mehrauli/Qutb complex and is famous both for its Sanskrit inscription and its remarkable corrosion-resistant iron technology.
Q29. Ujjain became a notable centre of learning, culture and commerce especially under:
[SSC CPO – 2017]
A. Chandragupta II
B. Ashoka only
C. Harsha
D. Skandagupta
Answer: A. Chandragupta II
Explanation: Western expansion under Chandragupta II strengthened Gupta connections with Malwa and Ujjain, an important junction of inland commercial and cultural routes.
Q28. Fa-Hien came to India during whose reign?
[SSC CGL – 2017]
A. Chandragupta II
B. Samudragupta
C. Kumaragupta
D. Skandagupta
Answer: A. Chandragupta II
Explanation: Faxian travelled across northern India in the early fifth century and left one of the most important foreign accounts relating to Gupta-era conditions.
Q27. Who wrote the Prayaga Prashasti?
[SSC CGL – 2017]
A. Harisena
B. Banabhatta
C. Kalidasa
D. Ravikirti
Answer: A. Harisena
Explanation: The inscription’s polished Sanskrit eulogy glorifies Samudragupta and provides detailed evidence for rulers and regions across fourth-century South Asia.
Q26. Nalanda is traditionally said to have been established under:
[SSC CGL – 2017]
A. Kumaragupta I
B. Samudragupta
C. Chandragupta I
D. Harsha
Answer: A. Kumaragupta I
Explanation: Gupta patronage initiated Nalanda’s rise, while Harsha and later Pala monarchs enlarged and endowed the institution over subsequent centuries.
Q25. Ajanta’s rock-cut monuments are primarily associated with which religious tradition?
[SSC CHSL – 2017]
A. Buddhism
B. Islam
C. Sikhism
D. Zoroastrianism
Answer: A. Buddhism
Explanation: Ajanta consists of Buddhist chaityas and viharas decorated with sculptures and paintings illustrating Buddhist narratives, Bodhisattvas and monastic culture.
Q24. The Gupta period is often called a Golden Age chiefly because of achievements in:
[SSC CHSL – 2017]
A. Art, literature, mathematics and science
B. Industrial mechanization
C. Oceanic colonization
D. Gunpowder technology
Answer: A. Art, literature, mathematics and science
Explanation: Major figures, texts, temples, sculpture and scientific developments flourished, although historians now treat the “Golden Age” characterization as a selective cultural description.
2016 Questions
Q23. Which inscription commemorates Yasodharman’s victory and belongs to the early sixth century?
[WBCS Mains – 2016]
A. Mandsaur Pillar Inscription
B. Hathigumpha Inscription
C. Junagadh Inscription of Rudradaman
D. Nanaghat Inscription
Answer: A. Mandsaur Pillar Inscription
Explanation: Yasodharman’s Mandsaur inscriptions celebrate his political ascendancy after Gupta decline and his success against Huna power, particularly Mihirakula.
Q22. Navanitaka of the Gupta period was a work concerned with:
[WBCS Mains – 2016]
A. Medicine
B. Metallurgy
C. Mathematics
D. Grammar
Answer: A. Medicine
Explanation: Navanitaka represents the medical knowledge of ancient India and is associated with Ayurvedic therapeutic traditions and medicinal preparations.
Q21. Which dynasty was among the early major issuers of land grants transferring fiscal privileges to Brahmanas?
[WBCS Mains – 2016]
A. Vakatakas
B. Nandas
C. Indo-Greeks
D. Kushanas
Answer: A. Vakatakas
Explanation: Vakataka copper-plate grants transferred land and various associated privileges to Brahmana beneficiaries and form important evidence for early medieval agrarian change.
