Q120. Which office is NOT associated with Harisena in Gupta records?
[SSC CGL – 2022]
A. Sandhivigrahika
B. Kumaramatya
C. Mahadandanayaka
D. Nagar-shreshthi
Answer: D. Nagar-shreshthi
Explanation: Harisena held important political and military-administrative offices under Samudragupta. Nagar-shreshthi instead denoted a leading urban merchant or guild representative.
Q119. The King “Chandra” associated with the Mehrauli Iron Pillar is generally identified as:
[SSC CGL – 2022]
A. Chandragupta Maurya
B. Chandragupta I
C. Chandragupta II
D. Chandela ruler Chandra
Answer: C. Chandragupta II
Explanation: The inscription’s conquests and Vaishnava associations have led most historians to identify King Chandra with the Gupta emperor Chandragupta II Vikramaditya.
Q118. Who was the first Gupta ruler to assume the title Maharajadhiraja?
[SSC MTS – 2022]
A. Sri Gupta
B. Chandragupta I
C. Samudragupta
D. Kumaragupta
Answer: B. Chandragupta I
Explanation: Chandragupta I’s grand imperial title reflected the dynasty’s increased status following territorial growth and his politically important marriage alliance with the Lichchhavis.
Q117. Which Gupta ruler bore the title Kaviraja?
[SSC MTS – 2022]
A. Samudragupta
B. Skandagupta
C. Kumaragupta
D. Budhagupta
Answer: A. Samudragupta
Explanation: Samudragupta was praised as Kaviraja or “king among poets,” indicating literary accomplishments alongside his better-known reputation as a military conqueror and musician.
Q116. Harisena wrote the Prayaga Prashasti in praise of:
[SSC MTS – 2022]
A. Samudragupta
B. Harsha
C. Chandragupta Maurya
D. Ashoka
Answer: A. Samudragupta
Explanation: The inscription categorizes conquered and neighbouring rulers according to Samudragupta’s different political policies, making it a uniquely valuable record of Gupta imperial strategy.
Q115. Kumaragupta I is traditionally credited with founding:
[SSC MTS – 2022]
A. Nalanda University
B. Vikramashila University
C. Takshashila University
D. Odantapuri
Answer: A. Nalanda University
Explanation: Nalanda’s early growth is conventionally connected with Kumaragupta I, while subsequent rulers from several dynasties expanded and patronized the institution.
Q114. Harshavardhana belonged to which dynasty?
[SSC MTS – 2022]
A. Pushyabhuti/Vardhana
B. Gupta
C. Maukhari
D. Pala
Answer: A. Pushyabhuti/Vardhana
Explanation: Harsha was the most prominent ruler of the Pushyabhuti or Vardhana dynasty, initially based at Thanesar before Kannauj became his principal political centre.
Q113. In which language was Banabhatta’s Harshacharita composed?
[SSC MTS – 2022]
A. Sanskrit
B. Pali
C. Tamil
D. Persian
Answer: A. Sanskrit
Explanation: Harshacharita belongs to the highly ornate Sanskrit prose or kavya tradition and is celebrated both as literature and as a historical source.
Q112. Banabhatta served as court poet to:
[SSC MTS – 2022]
A. Harshavardhana
B. Samudragupta
C. Chandragupta II
D. Skandagupta
Answer: A. Harshavardhana
Explanation: Bana was one of Harsha’s most prominent literary figures and left an important biographical portrayal of the emperor and his political environment.
Q111. Which ruler defeated Harshavardhana when Harsha attempted to expand toward the Deccan?
[SSC CGL – 2022]
A. Pulakeshin II
B. Narasimhavarman I
C. Rajendra Chola
D. Dantidurga
Answer: A. Pulakeshin II
Explanation: The Chalukya ruler’s resistance prevented Harsha from extending his authority deeply into the Deccan and enhanced Pulakeshin’s reputation as a powerful sovereign.
