RAS question
Which Gupta emperor is known as the 'Napoleon of India'?
Correct answer: (B) Samudragupta.
Samudragupta is known as the 'Napoleon of India' because of his extensive military conquests as a Gupta emperor.
Explanation
Samudragupta is the Gupta emperor associated with the title 'Napoleon of India'. Historian V. A. Smith attributed the phrase to Samudragupta because of his wide-ranging conquests. World History Encyclopedia makes the same point: Samudragupta is known chiefly for numerous military campaigns, Vincent Smith first called him the 'Indian Napoleon', and the Allahabad pillar inscription is the main source for studying his campaigns and conquests. That inscription, composed by Harishena, is therefore central to why the title is attached to Samudragupta rather than to another Gupta ruler.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Chandragupta I is not the ruler linked with the 'Napoleon of India' title; the title is tied to Samudragupta's campaigns and conquests.
- (C) Chandragupta II is identified in the question data with the title Vikramaditya, while the 'Napoleon of India' label belongs to Samudragupta.
- (D) Kumaragupta is not associated here with the conquest-based 'Napoleon of India' title, which is connected to Samudragupta.
Concept
This tests Gupta political history, especially ruler-specific titles and inscriptional evidence. It recurs in RAS because ancient-history MCQs often ask candidates to connect a ruler, a title, and the source that proves the association.