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Gupta Period

Asked 4 times in UPSC Prelims · first asked 1997 · last asked 2025

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Fa-hien (Faxian), the Chinese pilgrim, travelled to India during the reign of

2025History
ASamudragupta
BChandragupta II
CKumaragupta I
DSkandagupta

Explanation

Fa-hien, the Chinese pilgrim, travelled to India during the reign of Chandragupta II, also known as Chandragupta Vikramaditya. Chandragupta II was a prominent ruler of the Gupta Empire known for his patronage of arts, literature, and religion. Fa-hien's travels to India during this period provided valuable insights into the socio-cultural and religious landscape of ancient India.

With reference to forced labour (Vishti) in India during the Gupta period, which one of the following statements is correct?

2019History
AIt was considered a source of income for the State, a sort of tax paid by the people.
BIt was totally absent in the Madhya Pradesh and Kathiawar regions of the Gupta Empire.
CThe forced labourer as entitled to weekly wages.
DThe eldest son of the labourer was sent as the forced labourer.

Explanation

During the Gupta period in India, forced labour known as Vishti became prevalent. It was seen as a form of income for the State, similar to a tax paid by the population. This is evident from its mention in land grant inscriptions alongside taxes, indicating its economic significance for the ruling authorities.

Which one of the following ports handled the North Indian trade during the Gupta period?

1999History
ATamralipti
BBroach
CKalyan
DCambray

Explanation

During the Gupta period, the port that managed North Indian trade was Tamralipti. Tamralipti, also known as Tamralipta, was a significant city located on the Bay of Bengal, now identified as Tamluk in present-day India. It served as a crucial hub for trade and business activities in ancient India.

The silver coins issued by the Guptas were called:

1997History
ARupaka
BKarshapana
CDinara
DPana

Explanation

In ancient times, the Gupta dynasty issued silver coins known as Rupaka. These coins were valued at 16 Rupakas to 1 gold coin.