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RAS question

The Gangdhar inscription (423 CE) found in Rajasthan belongs to the reign of which Gupta-era ruler?

Correct answer: (A) Kumaragupta I.

The Gangdhar inscription dated 423 CE belongs to the reign of Kumaragupta I.

  1. (A)

    Kumaragupta I

  2. (B)

    Chandragupta II

  3. (C)

    Samudragupta

  4. (D)

    Skandagupta

Explanation

The key is to match the inscription's date with the Gupta chronology. Epigraphia Indica Vol. 14, Archaeological Survey of India identifies the record as the Gangdhar inscription of Visvavarman, son of Naravarman, dated year 480 V.E., equivalent to 423-4 A.D. The Gangdhar inscription is placed in Jhalawar district and was issued by the local ruler Visvavarman, with a reference to the construction of a Vishnu temple. Since the MCQ asks for the Gupta-era ruler whose reign fits 423 CE, Kumaragupta I is the correct match. The nearby wrong options fall outside that date: Chandragupta II and Samudragupta are earlier, while Skandagupta is later.

Why the other options are wrong

  • (B) Chandragupta II is too early for a 423 CE record because his reign ended before the date attached to the Gangdhar inscription.
  • (C) Samudragupta belongs to the 4th century, so his reign does not match the 423 CE date of the Gangdhar inscription.
  • (D) Skandagupta came after Kumaragupta I, so he is later than the reign to which this 423 CE inscription is assigned.

Concept

This tests Gupta-period epigraphy in Rajasthan: candidates must connect an inscription, its date, and the wider imperial chronology. RAS repeats such items because inscriptions are primary evidence for political control, local rulers and religious patronage.

Source

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