MCQ
Mauryan, Gupta and post-Gupta empires MCQ - Practice Questions with Answers
Solve 9 Mauryan, Gupta and post-Gupta empires questions for RAS/RPSC preparation.
Practice questions
Q1Statement 1: James Prinsep's decipherment of Brahmi in 1837 made many Ashokan inscriptions readable. Statement 2: Ashokan inscriptions are treated as the most direct source for the later Mauryan phase. Which of the following is correct?
Many Ashokan edicts were written in Prakrit and Brahmi, while other scripts and languages appeared in specific regions. James Prinsep's decipherment of Brahmi in 1837 made this inscriptional archive readable. The same section treats Ashokan inscriptions as the most direct source for the later Mauryan phase because they are royal messages, unlike a political treatise or a foreign account. Therefore, the decipherment statement and the source statement both stand together.
Q2Assertion (A): The Gupta period is described as a classical age, but not as equal prosperity and direct rule across all of India. Reason (R): achievements in Sanskrit literature, art, science, religion and coinage, while also warning against reading the phrase golden age too literally are cited. Choose the correct answer.
The assertion captures the balanced reading required. The Gupta age is called classical because of achievements in literature, art, science, religion and coinage. Kalidasa, Gupta coin types, temple architecture, Aryabhata's Aryabhatiya of 499 CE and later scholars such as Varahamihira are cited within this wider cultural environment. At the same time, golden age should not be read as equal prosperity, peace and direct rule across all of India. The reason therefore explains the assertion.
Q3Match List I with List II. List I: 1. Chandragupta I 2. Samudragupta 3. Aryabhata 4. Faxian List II: a. Composed the Aryabhatiya in 499 CE b. Associated with the Gupta era beginning in 320 CE c. Travelled in India during the time of Chandragupta II d. Campaigns described in the Prayag Prashasti
Chandragupta I is connected with the Gupta imperial phase, the title Maharajadhiraja and the Gupta era beginning in 320 CE. Samudragupta's campaigns are known especially through the Prayag Prashasti composed by Harisena. Aryabhata composed the Aryabhatiya in 499 CE, placing Gupta-period science in India's classical intellectual history. Faxian, the Chinese pilgrim, travelled during the time of Chandragupta II and described Buddhist institutions, urban order and social practices. These four links produce the matching sequence 1-b, 2-d, 3-a, 4-c.
Q4Which event is identified as the turning point behind Ashoka's public dhamma policy?
The Kalinga war is placed in 261 BCE and is described as the turning point in Ashoka's rule. Major Rock Edict XIII records his remorse after the suffering caused by conquest. After this, dhamma became central to his public state language. Dhamma was not a narrow Buddhist law code: it stressed respect for elders, restraint, kindness, tolerance and welfare. Chandragupta's victory over Seleucus, Prinsep's decipherment, and Samudragupta's campaigns belong to different historical contexts.
Q5Match List I with List II: List I: 1. Chandragupta I 2. Samudragupta 3. Chandragupta II Vikramaditya 4. Aryabhata List II: a. Aryabhatiya composed in 499 CE b. Defeat of the Western Kshatrapas and access to western trade routes c. Gupta era and the title Maharajadhiraja d. Prayag Prashasti composed by Harisena Choose the correct code.
Chandragupta I is connected with the Gupta imperial phase, the Gupta era beginning in 320 CE, the Lichchhavi alliance and the title Maharajadhiraja. Samudragupta's campaigns are known especially through the Prayag Prashasti composed by Harisena. Chandragupta II Vikramaditya expanded westwards by defeating the Western Kshatrapas, which opened access to western trade routes and silver coinage traditions. Aryabhata composed the Aryabhatiya in 499 CE, making Gupta-period science a major part of India's classical intellectual history.
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More questions
6Which one of the following statements about post-Gupta north India is incorrect?
7Consider the following statements about Mauryan sources: Statement 1: Ashokan inscriptions are described as the most direct source for the later Mauryan phase. Statement 2: The Arthashastra tradition should be treated as a daily diary of every Mauryan act. Which of the statements is/are correct?
8Which event is identified as the immediate turning point behind Ashoka's public dhamma policy?
9Assertion (A): Gupta imperial power should not be treated as a simple repeat of Mauryan centralisation. Reason (R): Gupta power combined conquest, alliances, tribute, land grants and imperial prestige rather than direct uniform administration everywhere. Choose the correct answer.