Gupta Empire MCQ: Vakataka Dynasty, Indian Philosophy & the Rise of Harsha

Attempt the quiz above first, then review every question with its correct answer and a short explanation below.

1. Q1.Which Gupta ruler is mentioned as 'Devgupta' in Sanchi and Vakataka inscriptions?

   • A.Chandragupta I
   • B.Samudragupta
   • C.Chandragupta II✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Kumaragupta

   Explanation: Another name of Gupta ruler Chandragupta-II 'Vikramaditya' is found as Devgupta in Sanchi and Vakataka inscriptions.

2. Q2.What fraction of the produce was charged as tax from cultivators in the Gupta period?

   • A.1/4
   • B.1/6✓ Correct Answer
   • C.1/3
   • D.1/2

   Explanation: A person who used to cultivate on the official land of the ruler had to pay 1/6th portion of the production as tax in the Gupta period.

3. Q3.Which game is believed to have originated in India during the Gupta period?

   • A.Ludo
   • B.Chess✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Polo
   • D.Carrom

   Explanation: The game of chess originated in India during the Gupta period, known as 'Chaturanga'.

4. Q4.Who was the Huna leader who suffered defeat by Yasodharman of Malwa?

   • A.Tormana
   • B.Mihirakula✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Rudradaman
   • D.Kanishka

   Explanation: Mihirakula, a central Asian Huna origin emperor, suffered a defeat by the Aulikara king Yasodharman of Malwa in 528 AD.

5. Q5.Which philosophy accepts the theory of rebirth and was founded by Maharshi Kapila?

   • A.Yoga
   • B.Nyaya
   • C.Sankhya✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Vaisheshika

   Explanation: Sankhya Darshan is one of the most ancient philosophical schools of India founded by Maharshi Kapila, and it accepts the theory of rebirth.

6. Q6.According to the Chinese traveller Fa-Hien, what was used by the common people in routine trading activities during the Gupta period?

   • A.Gold coins
   • B.Silver coins
   • C.Clamshells (Cowries)
   • D.Copper coins✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: According to the Chinese traveller Fa-Hien, people used clamshells (cowries) in routine trading activities during the Gupta period.

7. Q7.In Sanskrit plays written during the Gupta period, which language was spoken by women and Shudras?

   • A.Sanskrit
   • B.Pali
   • C.Prakrit
   • D.Sauraseni✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: In Sanskrit plays written during the Gupta period, women and Shudras spoke in Prakrit language while upper class persons used Sanskrit.

8. Q8.Who was the first Vakataka ruler to adopt the title of 'Samrat' and conducted four Ashvamedha Yajnas?

   • A.Pravarasena I
   • B.Rudrasena I✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Prithvisena I
   • D.Vindhyashakti

   Explanation: Pravarasena I (275-335 AD) was the first Vakataka ruler who called himself a Samrat and conducted four Ashvamedha Yajnas.

9. Q9.Which Vakataka ruler composed the treatise called 'Setubandha'?

   • A.Pravarasena I
   • B.Pravarasena II
   • C.Rudrasena II✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Prithvisena II

   Explanation: Emperor Pravarasena II of the Vakataka dynasty was interested in literature and composed a treatise called 'Setubandha'.

10. Q10.Who is considered the founder of 'Nyaya Darshan' (Philosophy of Logic)?

    • A.Kapila
    • B.Gautama (Akshapada)
    • C.Jaimini✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Kanada

    Explanation: 'Nyaya Darshan' was propagated by Gautama who is also known as 'Akshapada'. The original text is 'Nyayasutra'.

11. Q11.The theory of 'Karma' is related to which school of philosophy?

    • A.Nyaya
    • B.Mimansa
    • C.Vedanta✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Vaisheshika

    Explanation: The theory of karma is related to 'Mimansa' philosophy. It is also known as Karma Mimansa.

12. Q12.Who is considered the founder of Indian Atomism and the Vaisheshika School of philosophy?

    • A.Gautama
    • B.Kapila
    • C.Kanada
    • D.Patanjali✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: Maharshi Kanada was the founder of Vaisheshika School and propounded the atom theory, thus called the founder of Indian Atomism.

13. Q13.The 'Prasthanatrayi' of Vedanta philosophy includes which three texts?

    • A.Vedas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas
    • B.Ramayana, Mahabharata, Puranas
    • C.Upanishads, Brahmasutra, Bhagvad Gita
    • D.Nyaya Sutra, Vaisheshika Sutra, Sankhya Sutra✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: Vedanta philosophy has three bases - Upanishads, Brahmasutra and Bhagvad Gita. They are called the 'Prasthanatrayi'.

14. Q14.Who established the Rashtrakuta dynasty in 736 AD?

    • A.Dantidurga
    • B.Krishna I✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Dhruva
    • D.Govinda III

    Explanation: The Rashtrakuta dynasty was established in 736 AD by Dantidurga. He made Manyakheta his capital.

15. Q15.Which Chalukya ruler defeated Harshavardhana on the banks of the Narmada river?

    • A.Pulakeshin I
    • B.Kirtivarman
    • C.Pulakeshin II
    • D.Vikramaditya I✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: Harsha's southward march was stopped on the Narmada river by the Chalukya king Pulakeshin II. This is mentioned in the Aihole inscription.

16. Q16.What was the name of the book written by Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang about his tour to India?

    • A.Fo-Kwo-Ki
    • B.Si-Yu-Ki
    • C.Indica✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Kitab-ul-Hind

    Explanation: Hiuen Tsang wrote a book on his tour to India named 'Si-Yu-Ki' (Sei-Yu-Kei).

17. Q17.The term 'Hundi' used in the post-Harsha period sources refers to:

    • A.A royal order
    • B.A bill of exchange
    • C.A tax on land✓ Correct Answer
    • D.A type of coin

    Explanation: In the sources of the post-Harsha period, Hundi was treated as a 'bill of exchange' used in trade and credit transactions.

18. Q18.Where was the capital of the Maitraka dynasty located?

    • A.Kannauj
    • B.Thanesar
    • C.Valabhi
    • D.Ujjain✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: The Maitrakas of Valabhi ruled western and northern parts of Gujarat. Their capital was Valabhi.

19. Q19.In ancient India, what was the irrigation tax called?

    • A.Udrang
    • B.Hiranya
    • C.Bedakbhog or Udakabhag
    • D.Shulk✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: In ancient India, the irrigation tax was known as 'Bedakbhog' or 'Udakabhag'.

20. Q20.The Bhitari Pillar Inscription which mentions the war between Skandagupta and Hunas is found in which district?

    • A.Varanasi
    • B.Allahabad
    • C.Ghazipur
    • D.Gorakhpur✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: Bhitari Pillar inscription is found from a place named Bhitari in Saidpur tehsil of district Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh.