Static Quiz 25 March 2025 (Ancient History)
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Static Quiz 25 March 2025 (Ancient History) For UPSC Exam
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- Question 1 of 5
1. Question
With reference to the Gupta administration, consider the following statements:
1. The Guptas followed a decentralized administrative structure.
2. Provincial governors were called Uparikas and were appointed directly by the king.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?CorrectCorrect Answer: (b) Only 2
Solution:
• Statement 1: The Gupta administration was largely centralized in its early phase, with the king as the supreme authority. However, decentralization occurred gradually as local feudatories (Samantas) gained influence. Thus, this statement is incorrect.
• Statement 2: Provincial administration under the Guptas was headed by Uparikas, who were directly appointed by the king to govern provinces (Bhuktis). They were responsible for tax collection, maintaining law and order, and administration. Thus, this statement is correct.IncorrectCorrect Answer: (b) Only 2
Solution:
• Statement 1: The Gupta administration was largely centralized in its early phase, with the king as the supreme authority. However, decentralization occurred gradually as local feudatories (Samantas) gained influence. Thus, this statement is incorrect.
• Statement 2: Provincial administration under the Guptas was headed by Uparikas, who were directly appointed by the king to govern provinces (Bhuktis). They were responsible for tax collection, maintaining law and order, and administration. Thus, this statement is correct. - Question 2 of 5
2. Question
Which one of the following correctly describes the relationship between the Gupta rulers and the feudatories (Samantas)?
CorrectCorrect Answer: (c) Samantas were military chiefs who were granted land in exchange for loyalty and military assistance.
Solution:
• Option (a) is incorrect because Samantas were not fully independent; they had to pay tribute and provide military support to the Gupta rulers.
• Option (b) is incorrect as Samantas played a significant role in administration, especially in the later Gupta period.
• Option (c) is correct because Samantas were military chiefs who were granted land in return for military support and loyalty to the Gupta rulers.
• Option (d) is incorrect as the Samanta system existed and expanded during the Gupta period, laying the foundation for feudalism in India.IncorrectCorrect Answer: (c) Samantas were military chiefs who were granted land in exchange for loyalty and military assistance.
Solution:
• Option (a) is incorrect because Samantas were not fully independent; they had to pay tribute and provide military support to the Gupta rulers.
• Option (b) is incorrect as Samantas played a significant role in administration, especially in the later Gupta period.
• Option (c) is correct because Samantas were military chiefs who were granted land in return for military support and loyalty to the Gupta rulers.
• Option (d) is incorrect as the Samanta system existed and expanded during the Gupta period, laying the foundation for feudalism in India. - Question 3 of 5
3. Question
The Gupta economy is best characterized by which of the following features?
1. Extensive land grants to Brahmins and Buddhist monasteries.
2. Decline in trade with the Roman Empire leading to reduced urbanization.
3. Introduction of the Guild (Shreni) system for regulating trade and crafts.
Select the correct answer using the codes below:CorrectCorrect Answer: (d) 1, 2, and 3
Solution:
• Statement 1 is correct: The Guptas made land grants to Brahmins (Agrahara system) and Buddhist monasteries, leading to the expansion of agriculture.
• Statement 2 is correct: Trade with the Roman Empire declined due to the fall of the Western Roman Empire (5th century CE), leading to reduced urbanization and the decline of coastal trade centers.
• Statement 3 is correct: The Guild (Shreni) system was a crucial part of the economy, helping to regulate trade, manage crafts, and protect merchants.IncorrectCorrect Answer: (d) 1, 2, and 3
Solution:
• Statement 1 is correct: The Guptas made land grants to Brahmins (Agrahara system) and Buddhist monasteries, leading to the expansion of agriculture.
• Statement 2 is correct: Trade with the Roman Empire declined due to the fall of the Western Roman Empire (5th century CE), leading to reduced urbanization and the decline of coastal trade centers.
• Statement 3 is correct: The Guild (Shreni) system was a crucial part of the economy, helping to regulate trade, manage crafts, and protect merchants. - Question 4 of 5
4. Question
Consider the following statements about Gupta coinage:
1. The Guptas issued only gold and copper coins, avoiding the use of silver.
2. Gupta coins often depicted rulers in martial or artistic activities like playing the veena.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?CorrectCorrect Answer: (b) Only 2
Solution:
• Statement 1 is incorrect: The Guptas issued gold (Dinaras), silver (Rupakas), and copper coins. Silver coins were introduced after the conquest of Western Kshatrapas.
• Statement 2 is correct: Gupta coins depicted rulers in artistic and martial poses, such as Samudragupta playing the veena, Chandragupta II as an archer, and Kumaragupta as a horse rider.IncorrectCorrect Answer: (b) Only 2
Solution:
• Statement 1 is incorrect: The Guptas issued gold (Dinaras), silver (Rupakas), and copper coins. Silver coins were introduced after the conquest of Western Kshatrapas.
• Statement 2 is correct: Gupta coins depicted rulers in artistic and martial poses, such as Samudragupta playing the veena, Chandragupta II as an archer, and Kumaragupta as a horse rider. - Question 5 of 5
5. Question
Consider the following texts and their authors during the Gupta period:
1. Abhijnana Shakuntalam – Kalidasa
2. Mrichchhakatika – Bhasa
3. Brihat Samhita – Varahamihira
4. Aryabhatiya – Aryabhata
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?CorrectCorrect Answer: (c) 1, 3, and 4 only
Solution:
• Pair 1 is correct: Abhijnana Shakuntalam, a Sanskrit drama, was written by Kalidasa.
• Pair 2 is incorrect: Mrichchhakatika (The Little Clay Cart) was written by Shudraka, not Bhasa.
• Pair 3 is correct: Brihat Samhita, an astronomical and astrological text, was authored by Varahamihira.
• Pair 4 is correct: Aryabhatiya, a seminal work on mathematics and astronomy, was written by Aryabhata.IncorrectCorrect Answer: (c) 1, 3, and 4 only
Solution:
• Pair 1 is correct: Abhijnana Shakuntalam, a Sanskrit drama, was written by Kalidasa.
• Pair 2 is incorrect: Mrichchhakatika (The Little Clay Cart) was written by Shudraka, not Bhasa.
• Pair 3 is correct: Brihat Samhita, an astronomical and astrological text, was authored by Varahamihira.
• Pair 4 is correct: Aryabhatiya, a seminal work on mathematics and astronomy, was written by Aryabhata.
