Q170. The Panchatantra is commonly associated with which broad period of ancient Indian history?
[Delhi Police Head Constable – 2026]
A. Maurya period
B. Gupta period
C. Sultanate period
D. Mughal period
Answer: B. Gupta period
Explanation: The surviving Sanskrit tradition of the Panchatantra, conventionally attributed to Vishnu Sharma, is commonly placed in the classical age and frequently associated with Gupta-era literature.
Q169. Why is the Gupta age conventionally called a “Golden Age” in many examination texts?
[Delhi Police Constable – 2026]
A. Only because of territorial expansion
B. Because of notable achievements in literature, art, science and mathematics
C. Because Buddhism disappeared
D. Because agriculture stopped
Answer: B. Because of notable achievements in literature, art, science and mathematics
Explanation: Classical Sanskrit literature, sculpture, temple architecture, astronomy and mathematics made major advances during the Gupta centuries, although historians use the “Golden Age” label with qualifications.
Q168. Which Gupta ruler is famously described as the “Napoleon of India”?
[SSC CHSL – 2025]
A. Chandragupta I
B. Samudragupta
C. Skandagupta
D. Kumaragupta I
Answer: B. Samudragupta
Explanation: Historian V. A. Smith applied the comparison to Samudragupta because the Prayaga Prashasti records his extensive military campaigns across northern and southern India.
Q167. Which Vedic sacrifice did Samudragupta perform to proclaim imperial sovereignty?
[SSC CHSL – 2025]
A. Rajasuya
B. Agnihotra
C. Ashvamedha
D. Vajapeya
Answer: C. Ashvamedha
Explanation: Samudragupta performed the Ashvamedha after major military successes and commemorated the ceremony through special gold coins featuring the sacrificial horse.
Q166. Which period is often called a golden age of early Indian temple architecture?
[SSC CHSL – 2025]
A. Gupta period
B. Mauryan period
C. Delhi Sultanate
D. Mughal period
Answer: A. Gupta period
Explanation: Gupta architects developed influential free-standing stone and brick temples whose sanctums, doorways and early shikharas helped shape later North Indian temple architecture.
Q165. Significant early structural Hindu temple-building activity is particularly associated with which dynasty?
[SSC CHSL – 2025]
A. Gupta
B. Ahom
C. Vijayanagara
D. Lodhi
Answer: A. Gupta
Explanation: Gupta-period monuments at Deogarh, Bhitargaon, Tigawa and Nachna illustrate the important transition toward durable, free-standing Brahmanical temple structures.
Q164. Which inscription is a major primary source for Samudragupta and the Gupta Empire?
[SSC CGL – 2025]
A. Hathigumpha inscription
B. Nasik Prashasti
C. Allahabad Pillar/Prayaga Prashasti
D. Aihole inscription
Answer: C. Allahabad Pillar/Prayaga Prashasti
Explanation: Written by Harisena, the Prashasti details Samudragupta’s conquests and diplomatic relations and is indispensable for reconstructing fourth-century Gupta political history.
Q163. Which Gupta administrative official was the village headman?
[SSC CGL – 2025]
A. Gramika
B. Uparika
C. Kumaramatya
D. Sandhivigrahika
Answer: A. Gramika
Explanation: Gramika or Gramadhyaksha headed village administration, while Uparikas governed provinces and other officials performed central, district or specialized administrative duties.
Q162. Which statement best describes royal succession under the Guptas?
[RRB NTPC UG – 2025]
A. Primogeniture operated absolutely
B. The eldest son alone could rule
C. Succession was not invariably determined by eldest-son inheritance
D. Kings were elected annually
Answer: C. Succession was not invariably determined by eldest-son inheritance
Explanation: Gupta succession was dynastic but not governed by rigid primogeniture. Political ability, royal preference and elite acceptance could influence selection among princes.
Q161. Which Gupta emperor earned the comparison “Napoleon of India” for his campaigns?
[RRB NTPC UG – 2025]
A. Sri Gupta
B. Samudragupta
C. Kumaragupta
D. Skandagupta
Answer: B. Samudragupta
Explanation: Samudragupta conducted campaigns throughout Aryavarta and Dakshinapatha, combining annexation, reinstatement and tributary arrangements according to political circumstances.
