1) Textbook Exercise — Questions & Answers

2) One-Word Answers (10)

1. Gupta capital city — Pāṭaliputra.
2. Ruler titled ‘Vikramāditya’ — Chandragupta II.
3. Poet of Meghadūtam — Kālidāsa.
4. Text by Āryabhaṭa — Āryabhaṭīya.
5. Encyclopedic work by Varāhamihira — Bṛihat Saṃhitā.
6. Traveller who praised Gupta cities — Faxian.
7. Rust-resistant monument in Delhi — Iron Pillar.
8. Ujjayinī was famed as a centre of — learning.
9. Pallava capital — Kāñchipuram.
10. Inscription praising Samudragupta — Prayāga Praśasti.

3) Fill in the Blanks (10)

1. The Iron Pillar inscription refers to a king named “Chandra,” identified with Chandragupta II.
2. Samudragupta is eulogised in the Prayāga Praśasti by Harisena.
3. Āryabhaṭa explained eclipses using the shadow theory and proposed Earth’s rotation.
4. Ajanta caves are celebrated for exquisite paintings.
5. The Guptas often used the title mahārājadhirāja to project sovereignty.
6. In South India, the Pallavas ruled from Kāñchipuram.
7. Gupta revenue came chiefly from land tax.
8. Nālandā grew as a renowned monastic centre of learning.
9. Varāhamihira lived in Ujjayinī.
10. The Guptas patronised Vaiṣṇava shrines as seen in Udayagiri reliefs and coin motifs like Garuḍa.

4) True/False with Explanations (10)

1. True. Chandragupta II is also called Vikramāditya — the inscriptional and numismatic record supports this.
2. False. The Iron Pillar is made of iron, not bronze; its passivating layer resists rust.
3. True. Faxian describes prosperous cities, charity houses, and medical care in the Gangetic plains.
4. False. Ajanta is famous for paintings, not only sculptures.
5. True. Āryabhaṭa proposed that Earth rotates on its axis to explain day and night.
6. False. Udayagiri caves mainly depict Hindu themes (esp. Viṣṇu), not Jātaka tales.
7. True. Gupta coinage commemorates events (e.g., aśvamedha, veena-type) and royal titles.
8. True. Kāñchipuram was a major temple city and Pallava capital.
9. False. The Guptas did not destroy all other sects; edicts/sources suggest broad tolerance and patronage of multiple traditions.
10. True. Trade via the Indian Ocean linked India to Southeast Asia, China, and the Mediterranean, aiding Gupta prosperity.

5) Very Short Answers (2–3 lines each) — 10

1. Why is the Gupta period called a “classical age”?
   Because peace and prosperity enabled refined literature (Kālidāsa), polished art, advanced science (Āryabhaṭa, Varāhamihira), and temple forms that set enduring standards.
2. What does the Iron Pillar reveal?
   Mastery of large-scale forging and corrosion-resistant iron—evidence of high metallurgical skill.
3. Who wrote the Prayāga Praśasti and for whom?
   Harisena wrote it to eulogise Samudragupta, detailing conquests and qualities.
4. Name two centres of Gupta-age art.
   Ajanta (paintings), Sārnāth (Buddha images); also Udayagiri, Deogarh.
5. What was Kālidāsa’s Meghadūtam about?
   A yakṣha sends a love message via a cloud; rich nature imagery and delicate emotions.
6. List two Gupta revenue sources.
   Land tax (primary) and taxes on mines/irrigation/crafts/trade; fines too.
7. How did the Guptas expand power peacefully?
   Through matrimonial alliances (e.g., Prabhāvatī Gupta & Vākāṭakas), land grants, and tributary arrangements.
8. Who were the Pallavas?
   South Indian dynasty from Kāñchipuram; Śaiva patrons; famed for rock-cut/structural temples and learning.
9. What did Āryabhaṭa propose about Earth?
   That Earth rotates on its axis; he also explained eclipses and computed a near-accurate year length.
10. Mention one social feature noted by Faxian.
    Charity houses and medical care for poor/orphans/sick; he also noted discrimination against chanḍālas.

6) Short Answers (3–4 lines each) — 10

1. Explain how inscriptions and coins supported Gupta rule.
   Inscriptions (pillars, copper plates) proclaimed titles, victories, grants, and ideals; coins publicised events (aśvamedha, veena coin), deities (Garuḍa), and legitimacy—creating a shared imperial image.
2. What role did trade play in Gupta prosperity?
   Overland and Indian Ocean trade (textiles, spices, ivory, gems) raised revenue and linked India to Southeast Asia, China, and the Mediterranean; wealth funded public works, learning, and the arts.
3. Describe Gupta-age art characteristics.
   Graceful, calm figures with balanced proportions; fluid drapery; devotional themes; magnificent murals at Ajanta; early structural temples (Deogarh).
4. Who was Prabhāvatī Gupta and why important?
   Daughter of Chandragupta II; as Vākāṭaka regent she cemented Gupta–Vākāṭaka ties, issued inscriptions, and patronised Viṣṇu temples—showing the political agency of royal women.
5. Summarise Varāhamihira’s contributions.
   In Bṛihat Saṃhitā he synthesised knowledge across astronomy, astrology, weather, architecture, and agriculture—stressing observation and reasoning.
6. What do Ajanta paintings reveal about society?
   Patronage by rulers/mercantile groups; refined aesthetics; stories (Jātakas, bodhisattvas); trade and cosmopolitanism enabling monastic art.
7. How did the Guptas balance religious patronage?
   Predominantly Vaiṣṇava, yet they supported Buddhist institutions (e.g., Nālandā) and allowed diverse sects to flourish—promoting stability.
8. Why is Udayagiri significant?
   Rock-cut reliefs (e.g., Viṣṇu’s avatars) near early pillar site, linking kingship, devotion, and visual propaganda; showcases Gupta iconography.
9. Note two reasons for Gupta decline.
   External pressure from repeated Hūṇa invasions and internal fragmentation as regional powers asserted autonomy.
10. What civic features did Faxian mention?
    Well-kept lanes, charity and medical houses, salaried guards/attendants—indicating urban administration and social welfare mechanisms.