Gupta Vakataka Age – UGC NET History – Practice Questions

Gupta Age

1. The Gupta Empire is generally dated between:
A) 200 BCE – 100 CE
B) Early 4th century CE – Late 6th century CE
C) 600 CE – 900 CE
D) 100 BCE – 300 CE

2. Historians often refer to the Gupta period as:
A) Age of Imperial Decline
B) Silver Age of India
C) Golden Age of India
D) Age of Regionalism

3. Assertion (A): The Gupta period is called the “Golden Age of India.”
Reason (R): It witnessed significant developments in art, literature, science, and political stability.

A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B) Both true but not explanation.
C) (A) true but (R) false.
D) (A) false but (R) true.

4. Who founded the Gupta dynasty?
A) Samudragupta
B) Chandragupta I
C) Sri Gupta
D) Ghatotkacha

5. Match List I with List II regarding Gupta rulers and contributions:

A- A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
B- A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
C- A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3
D- A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1

6. The original Gupta kingdom mainly included:
A) Punjab and Rajasthan
B) Gujarat and Maharashtra
C) Uttar Pradesh and Bihar
D) Odisha and Bengal

7. The capital of the early Gupta kingdom was:
A) Pataliputra
B) Ujjain
C) Ayodhya
D) Prayag

8. Assertion (A): The Guptas may have been feudatories of the Kushanas.
Reason (R): Gupta power emerged after the decline of Kushan authority in northern India.

A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B) Both true but not explanation.
C) (A) true but (R) false.
D) (A) false but (R) true.

9. Ghatotkacha was the:
A) Founder of Gupta dynasty
B) Son of Samudragupta
C) Second ruler of Gupta dynasty
D) Last ruler of Gupta dynasty

10. Which Gupta ruler assumed the title “Maharajadhiraja”?
A) Sri Gupta
B) Chandragupta I
C) Kumaragupta I
D) Vishnugupta

11. Match List I with List II regarding inscriptions:

A- A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
B- A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
C- A-4, B-3, C-1, D-2
D- A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3

12. Samudragupta is often called the “Napoleon of India” because of his:
A) Religious reforms
B) Architectural achievements
C) Military conquests
D) Maritime trade

13. Assertion (A): Samudragupta greatly expanded the Gupta Empire.
Reason (R): His conquests laid the foundation for Gupta imperial expansion.

A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B) Both true but not explanation.
C) (A) true but (R) false.
D) (A) false but (R) true.

14. Who wrote the Allahabad Pillar Prashasti of Samudragupta?
A) Kalidasa
B) Faxian
C) Vishakhadatta
D) Harishena

15. Chandragupta II is also known as:
A) Devanampiya
B) Mahendraditya
C) Vikramaditya
D) Shakraditya

16. Which foreign traveler visited India during Chandragupta II’s reign?
A) Xuanzang
B) Megasthenes
C) Al-Biruni
D) Faxian (Fa-Hien)

17. Assertion (A): Chandragupta II expanded Gupta territory westward.
Reason (R): He defeated the Western Kshatrapas.

A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B) Both true but not explanation.
C) (A) true but (R) false.
D) (A) false but (R) true.

18. Match List I with List II regarding Gupta rulers and titles:

A- A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
B- A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
C- A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3
D- A-4, B-3, C-1, D-2

19. Which Gupta ruler established Nalanda University?
A) Samudragupta
B) Chandragupta II
C) Kumaragupta I
D) Vishnugupta

20. The Huna invasions into India intensified during whose reign?
A) Sri Gupta
B) Chandragupta I
C) Samudragupta
D) Kumaragupta I

21. Assertion (A): Kumaragupta performed an Ashvamedha sacrifice.
Reason (R): The sacrifice symbolized imperial sovereignty.

A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B) Both true but not explanation.
C) (A) true but (R) false.
D) (A) false but (R) true.

22. Skandagupta is remembered for:
A) Founding Gupta dynasty
B) Patronizing Ajanta paintings
C) Defeating the Hunas
D) Establishing Nalanda

23. Who is considered the last recognized Gupta ruler?
A) Kumaragupta I
B) Narasimhagupta
C) Skandagupta
D) Vishnugupta

24. Match List I with List II regarding Gupta administration:

A- A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
B- A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
C- A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2
D- A-4, B-3, C-1, D-2

25. The ministerial council during Gupta administration was known as:
A) Sabha
B) Parishad
C) Mantri Parishad
D) Samiti

26. Assertion (A): Gupta administration was highly centralized like the Mauryas.
Reason (R): Village administration played an important role during Gupta rule.

A) Both true and R explains A.
B) Both true but not explanation.
C) (A) true but (R) false.
D) (A) is false but (R) is true.

27. Gupta gold coins were called:
A) Nishkas
B) Karshapanas
C) Dinars
D) Panas

28. After conquering Gujarat, the Guptas issued large numbers of:
A) Copper coins
B) Gold coins only
C) Silver coins
D) Punch-marked coins

29. Match List I with List II regarding Gupta coinage:

A- A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
B- A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
C- A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3
D- A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2

30. Which title frequently appeared on Gupta coins?
A) Devanampiya
B) Chakravarti
C) Maharajadhiraja
D) Sultan

31. Which Gupta ruler’s coins depicted Kumardevi, a Licchavi princess?
A) Samudragupta
B) Chandragupta II
C) Chandragupta I
D) Kumaragupta I

32. Assertion (A): Gupta coinage helps reconstruct Gupta chronology.
Reason (R): Coins bear names, titles, and dates of rulers.

A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B) Both true but not explanation.
C) (A) true but (R) false.
D) (A) false but (R) true.

33. Match List I with List II regarding Gupta territorial expansion:

A- A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
B- A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
C- A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3
D- A-4, B-3, C-1, D-2

34. The term “Lichchhavidauhitra” appearing on Gupta coins means:
A) Conqueror of Licchavis
B) Friend of Licchavis
C) Son and daughter of Licchavi lineage
D) Governor of Licchavi province

35. Which Gupta ruler issued Ashvamedha coins?
A) Chandragupta I
B) Kumaragupta I
C) Chandragupta II
D) Samudragupta

36. Assertion (A): Samudragupta’s tiger-slayer coins symbolize military achievements.
Reason (R): Tigers were found in eastern Indian forests conquered by him.

A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B) Both true but not explanation.
C) (A) true but (R) false.
D) (A) false but (R) true.

37. Which province-level administrative unit existed during Gupta rule?
A) Janapada
B) Mandala
C) Bhukti
D) Ahara

38. The administrator of a Bhukti was known as:
A) Kumaramatya
B) Vishayapati
C) Uparika
D) Mahadandanayaka

39. Match List I with List II regarding Gupta administration:

A- A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
B- A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
C- A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4
D- A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3

40. Compared to the Mauryan administration, Gupta administration was:
A) More centralized
B) Entirely military-based
C) More decentralized and locally managed
D) Based only on feudatories

41. Assertion (A): Gupta copper coins are fewer than Kushan copper coins.
Reason (R): Monetary circulation among common people declined compared to Kushan times.

A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B) Both true but not explanation.
C) (A) true but (R) false.
D) (A) false but (R) true.

42. Gupta gold coins were less pure than those of the:
A) Mauryas
B) Satavahanas
C) Kushanas
D) Pallavas

43. Which region’s conquest encouraged the Guptas to issue silver coins?
A) Bengal
B) Punjab
C) Magadha
D) Gujarat

44. Match List I with List II regarding Gupta economy:

A- A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
B- A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
C- A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3
D- A-4, B-3, C-1, D-2

45. India exported which commodity to the Eastern Roman Empire till around 550 CE?
A) Horses
B) Pepper
C) Cotton
D) Silk

46. Assertion (A): Indian silk exports declined after 550 CE.
Reason (R): Eastern Romans learned silk cultivation from the Chinese.

A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B) Both true but not explanation.
C) (A) true but (R) false.
D) (A) false but (R) true.

47. The silk weavers of Lata migrated to:
A) Ujjain
B) Prayag
C) Mandasor
D) Nalanda

48. During the Gupta period, priestly landlords expanded mainly in:
A) Tamil Nadu
B) Kashmir
C) Bengal
D) Madhya Pradesh

49. Match List I with List II regarding social developments in Gupta period:

A- A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
B- A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
C- A-4, B-3, C-1, D-2
D- A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3

50. Which Chinese traveler mentioned the separation of Chandalas from society?
A) Xuanzang
B) Yijing
C) Fahien (Faxian)
D) Marco Polo

51. Assertion (A): The caste system became rigid during the Gupta period.
Reason (R): Brahmins occupied the highest social position and enjoyed royal patronage.

A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B) Both true but not explanation.
C) (A) true but (R) false.
D) (A) false but (R) true.

52. Which religion gained prominence during the Gupta period?
A) Zoroastrianism
B) Judaism
C) Brahmanism
D) Christianity

53. Women’s position during the Gupta age:
A) Improved significantly
B) Remained unchanged
C) Deteriorated
D) Became equal to men

54. Match List I with List II regarding Gupta education:

A- A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
B- A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
C- A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3
D- A-4, B-3, C-1, D-2

55. Assertion (A): Gupta rulers were tolerant of Buddhism and Jainism.
Reason (R): Though devout Hindus, they allowed religious freedom.

A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B) Both true but not explanation.
C) (A) true but (R) false.
D) (A) false but (R) true.

56. Sanchi remained an important centre of:
A) Jainism
B) Shaivism
C) Buddhism
D) Vaishnavism

57. Bhagavatism mainly revolved around the worship of:
A) Shiva
B) Surya
C) Vishnu
D) Indra

58. Match List I with List II regarding Bhagavatism:

A- A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
B- A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
C- A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
D- A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3

59. Vishnu merged with Narayana around:
A) 5th century BCE
B) 2nd century BCE
C) 1st century CE
D) 5th century CE

60. Which among the following best explains Gupta decline?
A) Arab invasions only
B) Climate change only
C) Loss of territories, feudatory assertion, and Huna invasions
D) Lack of agriculture alone

61. Which Huna groups are associated with the decline of the Gupta Empire?
A) Yuezhi and Scythians
B) Kidarites and Alchon Huns
C) Kushanas and Sakas
D) Parthians and Greeks

62. Assertion (A): The Gupta Empire declined partly because of invasions by the Hunas.
Reason (R): The Hunas weakened Gupta political authority and territorial control.

A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B) Both true but not explanation.
C) (A) true but (R) false.
D) (A) false but (R) true.

63. Match List I with List II regarding Gupta rulers and chronology:

A- A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
B- A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
C- A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3
D- A-4, B-3, C-1, D-2

64. Kalidasa mentions the conquest of nearly how many kingdoms by the Guptas?
A) 10
B) 15
C) 21
D) 30

65. Which Sanskrit poet described Gupta conquests beyond India?
A) Banabhatta
B) Harishena
C) Vishakhadatta
D) Kalidasa

66. Assertion (A): Gupta influence extended beyond the Indian subcontinent.
Reason (R): Trade and diplomacy connected Gupta India with Southeast Asia and neighbouring regions.

A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B) Both true but not explanation.
C) (A) true but (R) false.
D) (A) false but (R) true.

67. The fertile middle Gangetic basin controlled by the Guptas was also known as:
A) Dakshinapatha
B) Uttarapatha
C) Madhyadesha/Anuganga
D) Aryavarta

68. Which Gupta ruler’s reign marked the territorial zenith of the empire?
A) Chandragupta I
B) Samudragupta
C) Chandragupta II
D) Kumaragupta I

69. Match List I with List II regarding regions under Gupta control:

A- A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
B- A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
C- A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1
D- A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3

70. Which Gupta ruler is credited with carrying forward the expansionist policy of his father?
A) Ghatotkacha
B) Chandragupta II
C) Vishnugupta
D) Kumaragupta III

71. Assertion (A): Chandragupta II may have influenced the Vakataka kingdom.
Reason (R): His daughter Prabhavatigupta became queen of the Vakatakas.

A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B) Both true but not explanation.
C) (A) true but (R) false.
D) (A) false but (R) true.

72. Which ruler earned the title “Vikramaditya” after defeating the Pushyamitras?
A) Samudragupta
B) Chandragupta II
C) Skandagupta
D) Kumaragupta I

73. Gupta paintings reached their height in:
A) Bharhut and Sanchi
B) Ellora and Elephanta
C) Ajanta and Bagh caves
D) Amaravati and Nagarjunakonda

74. Match List I with List II regarding Gupta cultural achievements:

A- A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
B- A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
C- A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3
D- A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4

75. Which Gupta ruler is also known by the title “Mahendraditya”?
A) Samudragupta
B) Chandragupta I
C) Kumaragupta I
D) Skandagupta

76. Assertion (A): Gupta rulers issued the largest number of gold coins in ancient India.
Reason (R): Abundant gold reserves enabled large-scale minting.

A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B) Both true but not explanation.
C) (A) is true but (R) is not fully supported by the passage.
D) (A) false but (R) true.

77. Which of the following is true regarding Gupta copper coins?
A) They were more numerous than Kushan coins
B) They dominated village trade
C) They were relatively few in number
D) They replaced gold coins entirely

78. Which title signified imperial sovereignty during the Gupta period?
A) Chakravartin
B) Devanampiya
C) Maharajadhiraja
D) Dharmaraja

79. Match List I with List II regarding Gupta society:

A- A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
B- A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
C- A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2
D- A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4

80. Which institution mainly imparted Brahmanical education during the Gupta period?
A) Sangharamas
B) Temples
C) Agraharas
D) Mathas

81. Assertion (A): Buddhism and Jainism declined in prominence during the Gupta age.
Reason (R): Brahmanism gained greater royal patronage and dominance.

A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B) Both true but not explanation.
C) (A) true but (R) false.
D) (A) false but (R) true.

82. Which literary works gained prominence during the Gupta period?
A) Vedas only
B) Sangam texts
C) Puranas
D) Tripitakas only

83. Modern genetic studies suggest caste endogamy intensified during the:
A) Mauryan period
B) Kushan period
C) Gupta period
D) Delhi Sultanate period

84. Match List I with List II regarding Gupta rulers and family relations:

A- A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
B- A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
C- A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1
D- A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3

85. Which Gupta ruler was described as the last great Gupta emperor?
A) Chandragupta I
B) Samudragupta
C) Kumaragupta I
D) Skandagupta

86. Assertion (A): The Guptas promoted Vaishnavism.
Reason (R): Bhagavatism centered on Vishnu worship gained importance during the period.

A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
B) Both true but not explanation.
C) (A) true but (R) false.
D) (A) false but (R) true.

87. Narayana was originally associated with:
A) Vedic orthodoxy
B) Jainism
C) Buddhism
D) Non-Vedic culture

88. Which Gupta ruler was the son of Kumaragupta III?
A) Skandagupta
B) Samudragupta
C) Vishnugupta
D) Chandragupta II

89. Which of the following best characterizes Gupta administration?
A) Complete absence of local administration
B) Monarchical rule with provincial and district administration
C) Republican confederacy
D) Military dictatorship

90. Which of the following best summarizes the Gupta Age?
A) Era of political fragmentation and cultural stagnation
B) Period dominated entirely by Buddhism
C) A period of imperial expansion, cultural efflorescence, administrative organization, and economic prosperity
D) Exclusively a maritime trading age