Ch. 16. The Gupta Empire, We and Our World, Class VI, DAV Board, The Best Solutions.

Keywords To Remember

1. Empire – A large political unit or state, usually under a single leader, controlling many peoples or territories.
2. Dynasty – A line of hereditary rulers of a country.
3. Maharajadhiraj – A Sanskrit title meaning “King of Kings” used by powerful Indian monarchs.
4. Prashasti – A written or inscribed eulogy that praises the deeds and virtues of a ruler.
5. Inscription – Words carved on stone, metal, or other hard surfaces, often to record events.
6. Navratnas – A group of nine exceptionally talented people in the royal court.
7. Bhukti – A province or administrative division in the Gupta Empire.
8. Vishaya – A district within a province during ancient Indian administration.
9. Grameyak – The headman of a village in the Gupta administrative system.
10. Samanta – A military chief or feudal lord who supplied troops to the king when needed.
11. Golden Age – A period of great achievements in arts, science, culture, and overall prosperity.
12. Vaishnavism – A sect of Hinduism that worships Vishnu as the supreme god.
13. Shaivism – A major tradition within Hinduism that worships Shiva as the supreme being.
14. Revival – The process of bringing something back into use or importance, especially culture or religion.
15. Metallurgy – The science and technology of metals and their processing.
16. Astronomy – The scientific study of celestial bodies like stars and planets.
17. Astrology – The belief system that suggests the positions of celestial bodies influence human affairs.
18. Decimal System – A system of numbers based on 10, developed in ancient India.
19. Zero (0) – A digit invented in India representing the concept of nothing, critical in mathematics.
20. Aryabhattiyam – A mathematical and astronomical treatise written by Aryabhatta.
21. Charak Samhita – An ancient text on medicine written by Charaka.
22. Sushrut Samhita – A classical Sanskrit text on surgery by Sushrut.
23. Ivory – Material from elephant tusks used in crafting and trade.
24. Silk Route – A network of trade routes connecting India with China, Central Asia, and the Roman Empire.
25. Panchatantra – A collection of ancient Indian fables with moral lessons, written by Vishnu Sharma.
26. Gupta Coins – Gold and silver currency introduced by the Gupta rulers with images and inscriptions.
27. Iconography – The use of images and symbols to represent religious or cultural ideas.
28. Temple Architecture – The design and structure of religious buildings developed significantly during the Gupta period.
29. Ajanta Caves – Famous Buddhist rock-cut caves known for paintings and sculptures from the Gupta era.
30. Ellora Caves – Rock-cut temples representing Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain traditions, partly built in Gupta times.
31. Joint Family – A family system where multiple generations lived together under one roof.
32. Council of Ministers – A group of royal advisors assisting the king in administration.
33. Sandhi-Vigrahik – Minister of peace and war in ancient Indian administration.
34. Trade Routes – Paths used for commerce and transportation of goods within and outside the empire.
35. Barter System – A system where goods and services were exchanged without the use of money.
36. Guild – An association of artisans or merchants who controlled the practice of their craft in a town.
37. Indigo – A blue dye used in textiles, exported from India.
38. Uparika-Maharaja – A high-ranking official or governor of a province in the Gupta Empire.
39. Bhogpati – A regional administrator or governor under the Gupta rule.
40. Pilgrimage – A religious journey undertaken to visit sacred places like temples.

Something To Know         

A. Tick (✔ ) the correct option.

1. Who was the last Kushan ruler?

(a) Vasudev

(b) Sri Gupta

(c) Kumargupta

(d) Vikramaditya

Answer – (a) Vasudev

2. Who is known as the Napolean of India?

(a) Ghatotkaccha

(b) Chandragupta-ll

(c) Samudragupta

(d) Chandragupta

Answer – (c) Samudragupta

3. Who was the first person to prove that the Earth moves around the Sun?

(a) Napolean

(b) Aryabhatta

(c) Nagarjuna

(d) Sushrut

Answer – (b) Aryabhatta

4. Ajanta and Ellora caves are famous for their-

(a) rock-cut temples

(b) architecture

(c) inscriptions

(d) scenic beauty

Answer – (a) rock-cut temples

5. Which one of the following did not prevail during the period of Chandragupta-ll?

(a) Various branches of science were well developed.

(b) Education was available to people of all the classes in the society.

(c) Agriculture was the main occupation of the people.

(d) Most of the people including the king followed Shaivism and Vaishnavism.

Answer – (b) Education was available to people of all the classes in the society.

B. Fill in the blanks.

1. __________ was a renowned poet in the court of Chandragupta-ll.

Answer – Kalidasa

2. __________ is a famous collection of tales written by Pt. Vishnu Sharma.

Answer – Panchatantra

3. The rust-free Iron Pillar is located at __________ in New Delhi.

Answer – Mehrauli

4. In Gupta empire, __________ was the main source of revenue.

Answer – taxation

5. The main sources of entertainment of people in Gupta empire were __________ and __________

Answer – festivals, animal fights

C. Write True or False for the following statements.

1. Ghatotkaccha Gupta ruled from 280 CE to 319 CE.

Answer – True

2. Chandragupta-ll was a great warrior and an administrator.

Answer – True

3. Bhuktis or desh were not governed by Uparika-maharaja.

Answer – False

4. Marry sun temples were built in the Gupta period.

Answer – True

5. Gupta period did not contribute at all to the field of literature.

Answer – False

D. Answer the following questions in brief.

1. Who established the Gupta empire and when?

Answer – Sri Gupta established the Gupta empire in 275 CE.

2. What was the function of the Gram Panchayat in the Gupta period?

Answer – The Gram Panchayat looked after the needs and welfare of the villagers.

3. Which items were exported from India during the Gupta period.

Answer – Pearls, diamonds, precious stones, garments, ivory products, and indigo.

4. Who was Aryabhatta? What was his contribution?

Answer – Aryabhatta was a great mathematician and astronomer who proved that the Earth revolves around the Sun and introduced the concept of zero.

5. Mame two famous epics which were translated into Tamil during the Gupta period.

Answer – Ramayana and Mahabharata.

E. Answer the following questions.

1. Give three main sources of information about the period of Samudragupta.

Answer – The Ashoka pillar inscription at Allahabad, Eran edict, and coins of Samudragupta.

2. How was trade carried on in the Gupta period?

Answer – Trade was carried through well-connected land and river routes; important centers like Mathura, Kaushambi, and Tamralipti were involved in both inland and foreign trade.

3. Highlight agriculture as an important occupation of the people.

Answer – Agriculture was the main occupation; people owned their land, and irrigation facilities like wells and canals were used. Main crops were wheat, rice, and sugarcane.

4. Who was Kalidasa? Why is he remembered even today?

Answer – Kalidasa was a great Sanskrit poet and playwright in the court of Chandragupta-II, remembered for works like ‘Abhijnanashakuntalam’ and ‘Meghaduta’.

5. What is the contribution of the Gupta period in the field of science and technology?

Answer – Contributions include Aryabhatta’s work in astronomy and mathematics, Charaka and Sushruta’s medical texts, and advanced metallurgy as seen in the Iron Pillar.

Value Based Questions

Ancient scholars lire Aryabhatta, Charak, Sushrut, Nagarjuna have lot of things in common with modern day achievers Fike Ramanuja, Chandrashekhar, Dr. Abdul Kalam, etc., in their own fields.

Identify any five common qualities in them which you would love to follow. One has been given for you.

• They worked very hard to excel in their own field.

Answer – They were deeply curious and passionate about knowledge.

They contributed to the betterment of society.

They showed dedication and focus despite challenges.

They inspired generations through their work.

Map Skill

Mark and label the following on the outline political map of India.

(a. Important places of trade — Mathura, Kaushambi, Bharukachha, Ujjaini.

(b) Rivers — Ganga, Brahmaputra, Kaveri, Krishna, Godavari.

(c) Ajanta and Elora caves. 

Answer – Do it yourself

Something To Do

1. Visit Qutub Minar in New Delhi, and see Chandragupta from the inscriptions on this pillar. If possible, otherwise take a selfi with the inscriptions.

Answer – If visiting is not possible, find a picture of the Iron Pillar with its inscriptions and describe its significance in your own words.

2. Collect as many pictures as possible of all the important persons of Gupta Empire. Prepare a co age to be displayed on the school bulletin board highlighting their main contributions.

Answer – Use books, magazines, or the internet to gather images of Gupta rulers, scholars, and monuments, then create a collage on chart paper.

3. In tabular form, as shown below, discuss the contribution of the Gupta rulers.

Answer –

Additional Questions And Answers – 01

1. Fill in the Blanks (with Answers)
2. The Gupta period is also known as the Golden Age of India.
3. Chandragupta-I was the first powerful king of the Gupta dynasty.
4. The title of Napoleon of India was given to Samudragupta.
5. Ujjain was an important trade and cultural center during the Gupta period.
6. The Gupta period saw the emergence of classical Sanskrit literature.
7. Aryabhatta wrote the astronomical treatise called Aryabhatiyam.
8. The Iron Pillar of Delhi is a marvel of Gupta metallurgy.
9. Gupta kings issued gold coins called Dinaras.
10. Nalanda University was a famous center of learning during this period.
11. The caves of Ajanta and Ellora are known for exquisite frescoes and sculptures.

1. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs with Answers)
2. Which Gupta ruler adopted the title ‘Maharajadhiraja’?
   a) Samudragupta
   b) Chandragupta-I
   c) Skandagupta
   d) Chandragupta-II
   ✅ Answer: b) Chandragupta-I
3. Who among the following composed the famous play ‘Abhijnanashakuntalam’?
   a) Vishnu Sharma
   b) Aryabhatta
   c) Kalidasa
   d) Varahamihira
   ✅ Answer: c) Kalidasa
4. Which of the following universities existed during the Gupta period?
   a) Banaras
   b) Nalanda
   c) Vikramshila
   d) Takshashila
   ✅ Answer: b) Nalanda
5. Which material was used for Gupta inscriptions?
   a) Brick
   b) Cloth
   c) Copper and stone
   d) Bamboo
   ✅ Answer: c) Copper and stone
6. Who was the famous surgeon of ancient India during the Gupta period?
   a) Aryabhatta
   b) Sushruta
   c) Charaka
   d) Kalidasa
   ✅ Answer: b) Sushruta

1. True or False (with Answers)
2. The Gupta Empire declined due to foreign invasions.
   ✅ True
3. Women had equal access to education during the Gupta period.
   ✅ False
4. Samudragupta issued coins depicting him playing the veena.
   ✅ True
5. The Gupta period is known for temple architecture.
   ✅ True
6. The main source of income for the Gupta rulers was trade tax.
   ✅ False (It was land tax)
7. Vishnu Sharma wrote the Panchatantra during the Gupta period.
   ✅ True
8. Ajanta caves were built during the reign of Ashoka.
   ✅ False
9. Chandragupta-II was the first ruler of the Gupta dynasty.
   ✅ False

1. Short Answer Questions (2–3 lines)
2. What is the significance of the Iron Pillar of Mehrauli?
   Answer – It shows advanced knowledge of metallurgy and has not rusted in over 1,600 years.
3. Who were the ‘Navratnas’ in the Gupta court?
   Answer – A group of nine exceptional scholars and artists patronized by Chandragupta-II.
4. What was the main religion during the Gupta period?
   Answer – Hinduism was dominant, but Buddhism and Jainism were also supported.
5. Mention any two famous works of Kalidasa.
   Answer – Abhijnanashakuntalam and Meghaduta.
6. Name two important foreign travelers who visited India during the Gupta period.
   Answer – Fa-Hien and Yijing.

1. Competency-Based Questions (Reasoning & Assertion)
2. Assertion (A): The Gupta Empire is called the Golden Age of India.
   Reason (R): There was great progress in science, literature, and arts during this time.
   (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. ✅
   (b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
   (c) A is true but R is false.
   (d) A is false but R is true.
   ✅ Answer: (a)
3. Assertion (A): Aryabhatta contributed significantly to astronomy.
   Reason (R): He translated the Mahabharata into Greek.
   ✅ Answer: (c) A is true but R is false.
4. Assertion (A): Samudragupta was known for his military campaigns.
   Reason (R): He never expanded the empire beyond Magadha.
   ✅ Answer: (c) A is true but R is false.
5. Assertion (A): Nalanda was an important center of Buddhist learning.
   Reason (R): It was established by Chandragupta Maurya.
   ✅ Answer: (c) A is true but R is false.

1. Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS Questions)
2. Why do you think the Gupta period was able to support so many scholars and artists?
   Answer – Because of political stability, economic prosperity, and royal patronage, scholars and artists had the time, resources, and support to excel in their fields.
3. How did the invention of zero impact mathematics globally?
   Answer – It revolutionized the number system and enabled the development of algebra, calculus, and modern computing systems.
4. Why is Samudragupta compared to Napoleon? What does this comparison reveal about him?
   Answer – Due to his numerous successful military conquests and strategic planning. It shows he was a skilled warrior and administrator.

✅ G. Long Answer Questions (40–50 words)

1. Explain the administrative system of the Gupta Empire.
   Answer – The Gupta Empire had a centralized administration. The empire was divided into provinces called ‘Bhuktis’ headed by governors. Districts were called ‘Vishayas’. Village headmen managed rural administration. The king was advised by a council of ministers, and land revenue was the main source of income.
2. Describe the contribution of the Gupta period to Indian science.
   Answer – The Gupta period saw great progress in science. Aryabhatta introduced the concept of zero and said the Earth rotates on its axis. Sushruta and Charaka made advances in medicine and surgery. Metallurgy improved, as seen in the rust-free Iron Pillar.
3. What were the key reasons behind the decline of the Gupta Empire?
   Answer – The Gupta Empire declined due to internal weaknesses, weak successors, economic strain, and invasions by the Huns. Decentralization and loss of control over provinces further weakened the empire, leading to its fragmentation by the 6th century CE.
4. Write about the achievements of Chandragupta-II.
   Answer – Chandragupta-II expanded the Gupta Empire and strengthened its administration. He promoted art, literature, and science. His court had famous scholars like Kalidasa and Aryabhatta. He defeated the Shakas and made Ujjain an important trade center.

Additional Questions And Answers – 02

Fill in the Blanks Questions and Answers

1. The Gupta Empire was established by ________ in 275 CE.
   Answer: Sri Gupta
2. Chandragupta-I assumed the title of ________.
   Answer: Maharajadhiraj
3. Samudragupta is known as the ________ of India.
   Answer: Napoleon
4. The inscription on the Iron Pillar at Mehrauli provides information about ________.
   Answer: Chandragupta-II
5. The Gupta empire was divided into provinces called ________.
   Answer: Bhuktis
6. The head of a village during the Gupta period was called ________.
   Answer: Grameyak
7. ________ was a renowned poet in the court of Chandragupta-II.
   Answer: Kalidasa
8. The rust-free Iron Pillar at Mehrauli is an example of Gupta expertise in ________.
   Answer: Metallurgy
9. ________ wrote the book Aryabhattiyam on mathematics and astronomy.
   Answer: Aryabhatta
10. The Gupta period is known as the ________ Age of Ancient India.
    Answer: Golden

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Answers

1. Who was the first important ruler of the Gupta Empire?
   a) Sri Gupta
   b) Ghatotkaccha
   c) Chandragupta-I
   d) Samudragupta
   Answer: c) Chandragupta-I
2. Which title did Chandragupta-II assume?
   a) Maharajadhiraj
   b) Vikramaditya
   c) Napoleon of India
   d) Samanta
   Answer: b) Vikramaditya
3. What was the main source of information about Samudragupta?
   a) Sushrut Samhita
   b) Allahabad Pillar Inscription
   c) Charak Samhita
   d) Iron Pillar at Mehrauli
   Answer: b) Allahabad Pillar Inscription
4. Who was NOT one of the Nav Ratna in Chandragupta-II’s court?
   a) Kalidasa
   b) Harisena
   c) Aryabhatta
   d) Nagarjuna
   Answer: d) Nagarjuna
5. What was the administrative unit below Bhuktis called?
   a) Vishyas
   b) Desh
   c) Grameyak
   d) Samanta
   Answer: a) Vishyas
6. Which caves are famous for Gupta period paintings and stone-cut temples?
   a) Elephanta
   b) Ajanta and Ellora
   c) Khajuraho
   d) Konark
   Answer: b) Ajanta and Ellora
7. Which scholar wrote Panchtantra during the Gupta period?
   a) Kalidasa
   b) Vishnu Sharma
   c) Vishakhdatta
   d) Harisena
   Answer: b) Vishnu Sharma
8. What was the main occupation of people during the Gupta period?
   a) Trade
   b) Agriculture
   c) Metallurgy
   d) Sculpture
   Answer: b) Agriculture
9. Which religion saw a revival during the Gupta period?
   a) Buddhism
   b) Jainism
   c) Hinduism
   d) Zoroastrianism
   Answer: c) Hinduism
10. Which scientist proved that the Earth moves around the Sun?
    a) Nagarjuna
    b) Charak
    c) Aryabhatta
    d) Sushrut
    Answer: c) Aryabhatta

True/False Questions and Answers

1. The Gupta Empire was founded by Chandragupta-I.
   Answer: False
2. Samudragupta’s military campaigns established direct rule over north, east, and south India.
   Answer: False
3. Chandragupta-II was a patron of art and had the Nav Ratna in his court.
   Answer: True
4. The Gupta empire was as large as the Mauryan empire.
   Answer: False
5. The head of a Vishya was called Vishayapati.
   Answer: True
6. Child marriage was absent during the Gupta period.
   Answer: False
7. The Iron Pillar at Mehrauli has never rusted due to advanced metallurgy.
   Answer: True
8. Kalidasa wrote Charak Samhita during the Gupta period.
   Answer: False
9. The Gupta period saw the development of Tamil literature only.
   Answer: False
10. Aryabhatta introduced the concept of zero and the decimal system.
    Answer: True

Short Questions and Answers

1. Who founded the Gupta Empire?
   Answer: Sri Gupta.
2. What title did Chandragupta-I assume?
   Answer: Maharajadhiraj.
3. Who was known as the Napoleon of India?
   Answer: Samudragupta.
4. Name one source of information about Samudragupta.
   Answer: Allahabad Pillar Inscription.
5. Who was the head of a Bhukti in the Gupta administration?
   Answer: Uparika-maharaja or Bhogpati.
6. Name one poet from Chandragupta-II’s court.
   Answer: Kalidasa.
7. What was the main occupation during the Gupta period?
   Answer: Agriculture.
8. Name one famous cave site from the Gupta period.
   Answer: Ajanta.
9. Who wrote Aryabhattiyam?
   Answer: Aryabhatta.
10. What is the Gupta period known as?
    Answer: Golden Age of Ancient India.

Competency-Based Questions and Answers (Reasoning and Assertion)

1. Assertion (A): Samudragupta was called the Napoleon of India.
   Reason (R): He conducted extensive military campaigns across north, east, and south India.
   Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
2. Assertion (A): The Gupta period is known as the Golden Age of Ancient India.
   Reason (R): There was significant progress in art, literature, and science.
   Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
3. Assertion (A): Chandragupta-II was a great patron of art and learning.
   Reason (R): His court included the Nav Ratna, such as Kalidasa.
   Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
4. Assertion (A): The Gupta empire had a well-organized administration.
   Reason (R): Provinces were divided into Bhuktis and Vishyas with appointed officials.
   Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
5. Assertion (A): The Iron Pillar at Mehrauli has never rusted.
   Reason (R): It was made using advanced Gupta metallurgy techniques.
   Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

High Order Thinking Skill (HOTS) Questions and Answers

1. Question: Why is the Gupta period referred to as the Golden Age of Ancient India?
   Answer: The Gupta period is called the Golden Age due to political unity, peace, and advancements in art, literature, and science. Contributions from scholars like Aryabhatta, Kalidasa, and Nagarjuna, along with temple architecture and trade prosperity, marked unprecedented cultural and intellectual growth.
2. Question: How did the Gupta administration ensure effective governance?
   Answer: The Gupta administration was effective due to a hierarchical structure with Bhuktis and Vishyas managed by Uparika-maharajas and Vishayapatis. The king, advised by a Council of Ministers, maintained a strong army and Samantas, ensuring stability and addressing local needs through Gram Panchayats.
3. Question: Evaluate the impact of Gupta trade on economic prosperity.
   Answer: Gupta trade, facilitated by land and river routes, connected key centers like Mathura and Tamralipti, boosting the economy through exports like pearls and imports like gold. This fostered wealth, supported agriculture, and strengthened guilds, contributing to overall prosperity.
4. Question: Why did Hinduism and Sanskrit see a revival during the Gupta period?
   Answer: The Gupta rulers’ patronage of Vaishnavism and Shaivism, along with grants to temples and scholars, revived Hinduism and Sanskrit. Their support for literature, like Kalidasa’s works, and religious tolerance encouraged cultural flourishing, making Sanskrit a dominant literary language.
5. Question: Analyze the significance of Aryabhatta’s contributions to science.
   Answer: Aryabhatta’s Aryabhattiyam introduced the concept of zero, the decimal system, and Earth’s rotation around the Sun. These advancements revolutionized mathematics and astronomy, enabling accurate eclipse predictions and laying the foundation for future scientific developments in India and beyond.

Long Questions and Answers (40-50 Words)

1. Question: Describe the administrative structure of the Gupta Empire.
   Answer: The Gupta Empire was governed by a powerful king advised by a Council of Ministers. It was divided into Bhuktis, managed by Uparika-maharajas, and Vishyas, led by Vishayapatis. Village administration under Grameyaks and Gram Panchayats ensured local welfare and efficient governance.
2. Question: Explain the significance of Samudragupta’s military campaigns.
   Answer: Samudragupta’s military campaigns across north, east, and south India established his sovereignty, earning him the title “Napoleon of India.” Detailed in the Allahabad Pillar Inscription, these conquests expanded Gupta influence, strengthened the empire, and promoted political unity without direct rule.
3. Question: Discuss the role of art and architecture in the Gupta period.
   Answer: Gupta art and architecture flourished with temple building, as seen in Sanchi and Deogarh, and cave paintings at Ajanta and Ellora. Sculptures of Krishna and Buddha showcased Indian themes free from foreign influence, marking a high point in artistic excellence.
4. Question: How did trade contribute to the Gupta economy?
   Answer: Gupta trade thrived via land and river routes, connecting ports like Tamralipti and Bharukaccha. Exports like pearls and imports like gold boosted wealth. Agriculture, supported by irrigation, and guilds strengthened the economy, ensuring prosperity and state revenue.
5. Question: Analyze the contributions of Kalidasa to Gupta literature.
   Answer: Kalidasa, a Nav Ratna in Chandragupta-II’s court, enriched Sanskrit literature with works like Abhijana-Shakuntalam, Meghaduta, and Raghuvamsa. His poetic brilliance and dramatic plays elevated Sanskrit literature, reflecting Gupta cultural sophistication and influencing Indian literary traditions.