Q160. According to the Eran inscriptional tradition, why was Samudragupta considered worthy of succession by his father?
[RRB NTPC UG – 2025]
A. Age alone
B. Wealth alone
C. Devotion, conduct and heroism
D. Foreign support
Answer: C. Devotion, conduct and heroism
Explanation: Gupta records emphasize Samudragupta’s personal virtues and martial ability as qualities underlying his selection, indicating that royal succession was not necessarily automatic primogeniture.
Q159. Which southern dynasties became especially prominent during the post-Gupta period?
[DSSSB TGT – 2025]
A. Pallavas and Chalukyas
B. Mauryas and Nandas
C. Guptas and Kushanas
D. Shungas and Kanvas
Answer: A. Pallavas and Chalukyas
Explanation: Pallavas centred on Kanchipuram and Chalukyas centred on Badami emerged as major peninsular powers, contributing substantially to early medieval temple architecture and regional politics.
Q158. Which of the following was NOT a post-Gupta dynasty?
[DSSSB TGT – 2025]
A. Maukhari
B. Maitraka
C. Maurya
D. Pushyabhuti
Answer: C. Maurya
Explanation: Mauryan rule ended centuries before the Gupta Empire. Maukharis, Maitrakas and Pushyabhutis rose amid the political fragmentation following Gupta decline.
Q157. Which Gupta emperor described himself as “Lichchhavi-dauhitra,” meaning daughter’s son of the Lichchhavis?
[CGPSC Prelims – 2025]
A. Chandragupta I
B. Samudragupta
C. Skandagupta
D. Budhagupta
Answer: B. Samudragupta
Explanation: Samudragupta proudly emphasized his maternal Lichchhavi ancestry because his mother Kumaradevi belonged to that prestigious lineage, strengthening Gupta dynastic legitimacy.
Q156. Who was the first independent Gupta ruler to adopt the title Maharajadhiraja?
[SSC Stenographer – 2024]
A. Sri Gupta
B. Ghatotkacha
C. Chandragupta I
D. Samudragupta
Answer: C. Chandragupta I
Explanation: Sri Gupta and Ghatotkacha were styled Maharaja, whereas Chandragupta I adopted the more exalted Maharajadhiraja, reflecting increased Gupta power.
Q155. After Gupta decline, the Maukharis emerged as an important power centred on:
[SSC CGL – 2024]
A. Thanesar
B. Kannauj
C. Valabhi
D. Ujjain
Answer: B. Kannauj
Explanation: Kannauj became the principal Maukhari centre and subsequently developed into one of the most strategically important political cities of early medieval northern India.
Q154. Which former Gupta tributary chiefs established an independent kingdom in western India with Valabhi as their capital?
[SSC CGL – 2024]
A. Maitrakas
B. Cholas
C. Pushyabhutis
D. Palas
Answer: A. Maitrakas
Explanation: The Maitrakas established an independent kingdom in Saurashtra after Gupta decline. Valabhi grew into an important administrative, commercial and educational centre.
Q153. Harisena, author of the Prayaga Prashasti, served which Gupta emperor?
[SSC Selection Post – 2024]
A. Samudragupta
B. Kumaragupta
C. Skandagupta
D. Budhagupta
Answer: A. Samudragupta
Explanation: Harisena was a poet and high official of Samudragupta. His Sanskrit eulogy records the emperor’s campaigns and relationships with neighbouring rulers.
Q152. Chandragupta I was the first Gupta ruler to assume which title?
[SSC Selection Post – 2024]
A. Vikramaditya
B. Maharajadhiraja
C. Mahendraditya
D. Shakari
Answer: B. Maharajadhiraja
Explanation: The title “great king of kings” signified enhanced imperial status and distinguished Chandragupta I from the earlier Gupta rulers styled simply Maharaja.
Q151. Gupta India is especially remembered for advances in which fields?
[SSC GD Constable – 2024]
A. Science, art and literature
B. Steam engineering
C. Modern constitutionalism
D. Industrial capitalism
Answer: A. Science, art and literature
Explanation: Sanskrit literature, mathematics, astronomy, sculpture, metallurgy and temple architecture flourished during the Gupta centuries, making the era culturally prominent in Indian history.
