Mauryan & Gupta — Set 4
Indian History · मौर्य और गुप्त · Questions 31–40 of 100
Which ancient port was the most important for Mauryan trade on the east coast?
Correct Answer: B. Tamralipti
Tamralipti (modern Tamluk) was the principal port on the east coast during the Mauryan period. It served as the gateway for trade with Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka. Mauryan missions to Sri Lanka also embarked from this port.
Who wrote the Sanskrit dictionary 'Amarakosha'?
Correct Answer: B. Amara Simha
Amara Simha, one of the Navratnas of Chandragupta II, wrote the Amarakosha. It is a thesaurus of Sanskrit roots and synonyms organized by subject. It remains one of the most important lexical works in Sanskrit literature.
The 'Huns' invaded India primarily during the reign of which Gupta ruler?
Correct Answer: D. Skandagupta
The Huns (Hunas) launched a major invasion during the reign of Skandagupta. Skandagupta successfully repelled them, earning fame as the savior of the empire. However, the repeated attacks eventually weakened the Gupta economy and military.
Which Ashokan edict identifies the king by his personal name 'Ashoka' instead of titles?
Correct Answer: B. Maski
The Maski Minor Rock Edict is famous for explicitly mentioning the name 'Ashoka'. Most other edicts refer to him by titles like 'Devanampiya Piyadassi'. This discovery confirmed that Piyadassi and the Ashoka of Buddhist texts were the same person.
What was the primary language used in the Ashokan inscriptions found in the Indian subcontinent?
Correct Answer: C. Prakrit
The primary language of Ashokan inscriptions in the Indian heartland was Prakrit. They were written in the Brahmi script to be accessible to the common people. In the northwest, scripts like Kharosthi, Greek, and Aramaic were used.
Who was the first Gupta ruler to assume the title 'Maharajadhiraja'?
Correct Answer: C. Chandragupta I
Chandragupta I was the first Gupta ruler to adopt the grand title of Maharajadhiraja (King of Kings). This signified the rise of the Guptas from minor feudatories to a sovereign imperial power. His marriage to a Licchavi princess also boosted his status.
The rock-cut caves at Udayagiri are associated with which dynasty?
Correct Answer: D. Gupta
The Udayagiri Caves in Madhya Pradesh are associated with the Gupta period, particularly Chandragupta II. They contain famous reliefs, including the monumental Varaha avatar of Vishnu. These caves serve as a key example of Gupta religious art.
Which text details the espionage system of the Mauryas?
Correct Answer: B. Arthashastra
The Arthashastra by Kautilya provides an exhaustive account of the Mauryan espionage system. It describes the recruitment, training, and deployment of spies to protect the state. This highlights the centralized and surveillance-heavy nature of Mauryan rule.
The Bagh Caves in Madhya Pradesh are known for paintings from which era?
Correct Answer: D. Gupta
The Bagh Caves are known for their mural paintings which date back to the Gupta period. These paintings are stylistically similar to those at Ajanta but are more secular in nature. They reflect the high standard of artistic expression during the Golden Age.
The Third Buddhist Council was convened at which city?
Correct Answer: D. Pataliputra
The Third Buddhist Council was convened at Pataliputra under the patronage of Ashoka. It was presided over by the monk Moggaliputta Tissa. The council's objective was to purify the Buddhist Sangha and compile the Abhidhamma Pitaka.