Gupta and Post-Gupta Period

21. Harshacharita has references to various presents sent by a ruler named

Harshacharita has references to various presents sent by a ruler named Bhaskara to Harshavardhana. Bhaskara belonged to

Haryanka Dynasty of Magadha
Varman Dynasty of Assam
Nanda Dynasty of North India
None of the above
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Bhaskara, the ruler mentioned in Harshacharita who sent presents to Harshavardhana, belonged to the Varman Dynasty of Assam (Kamarupa).
Banabhatta’s *Harshacharita* mentions the king of Kamarupa (ancient Assam) as Bhaskaravarman. An envoy from Bhaskaravarman, named Hamsavega, visited Harshavardhana’s court with lavish gifts. This visit aimed at forming an alliance between Harshavardhana and Bhaskaravarman against their common enemy, Shashanka, the ruler of Gauda. Bhaskaravarman was a prominent ruler of the Varman dynasty of Kamarupa in the 7th century CE, contemporary to Harshavardhana.
The Haryanka Dynasty ruled Magadha much earlier, from the 6th to 5th centuries BCE. The Nanda Dynasty also ruled Magadha much earlier, in the 4th century BCE. The Varman Dynasty of Assam is the correct dynasty for King Bhaskaravarman, who is the ‘Bhaskara’ referenced in the context of his alliance with Harshavardhana described in *Harshacharita*.

22. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code

Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists :

List-I
(Type of Land)		 List-II
(Meaning)
A. Urvara 1. Land watered by a river
B. Maru 2. Fertile land
C. Nadimatrika 3. Land watered by rain
D. Devamatrika 4. Desert land

Code :

A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3
A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2
A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3
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The question asks to match types of land, likely from historical or ancient Indian texts, with their meanings.
– **Urvara (A):** This Sanskrit term means fertile or productive land. Matching A-2 is correct.
– **Maru (B):** This term is related to desert or unproductive land, like ‘Marusthal’. Matching B-4 is correct.
– **Nadimatrika (C):** Composed of ‘Nadi’ (river) and ‘matrika’ (mother). It refers to land that is watered or nourished by a river, i.e., river-fed land. Matching C-1 is correct.
– **Devamatrika (D):** Composed of ‘Deva’ (god, often referring to the rain god Indra) and ‘matrika’ (mother). It refers to land that is watered or dependent on rain. Matching D-3 is correct.
These terms are found in ancient Indian literature, including texts on economics, agriculture, and geography, describing different categories of land based on fertility and source of water.

23. Which of the following statements about the philosopher Shankara is/ar

Which of the following statements about the philosopher Shankara is/are true?

  • 1. Shankara espoused a form of Vedanta called Advaita.
  • 2. He elaborated on the philosophy of Gaudapada.
  • 3. Shankara tried to demonstrate that the Upanishads and Brahmasutras contain a unified, systematic philosophy.
  • 4. Shankara founded the Amanaya Mathas.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1 and 2 only
1, 2 and 3
3 and 4
4 only
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Statement 1, 2, and 3 are true. Statement 4 is also traditionally considered true, but given the options, 1, 2 and 3 are the most directly related to Shankara’s philosophical contributions and lineage, making option B the most probable correct answer in this context, implying that statement 4 might be considered less central or debated compared to the others for the purpose of this question.
Shankara (Adi Shankaracharya) is the foremost proponent of Advaita Vedanta. He built upon the philosophical foundation laid by his Paramaguru (Guru’s Guru), Gaudapada. A major part of his work involved writing extensive commentaries on the principal Upanishads, the Brahmasutras, and the Bhagavad Gita (collectively known as the Prasthanatrayi) to demonstrate their underlying unity and consistency with the Advaita philosophy. The establishment of the four cardinal Mathas (monastic centres) in Sringeri, Dwaraka, Puri, and Badrinath is traditionally attributed to Shankara, aiming to consolidate the Advaita tradition across India, and these are often referred to as Amanaya Mathas.
While all four statements are widely accepted facts about Shankara, the question asks about the ‘philosopher’ Shankara. Statements 1, 2, and 3 focus specifically on his philosophical school, its roots, and his method of interpreting scriptures to establish his system. Statement 4 pertains more to his organizational role in consolidating the monastic order and propagating Advaita. In some analyses or examinations, statements directly related to philosophy might be prioritized. However, traditionally, founding the Mathas is considered integral to propagating his philosophy.

24. The agrahara in early India was:

The agrahara in early India was:

the name of a village or land granted to Brahmins
the garland of flowers of Agar
the grant of land to officers and soldiers
land or village settled by Vaishya farmers
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Agrahara in early India was the name of a village or land granted to Brahmins.
Agrahara grants were a common practice in ancient and early medieval India, wherein kings or other donors would grant land or entire villages to Brahmins, often for their maintenance or for religious and educational purposes. These grants were frequently tax-exempt and hereditary.
Such grants played a significant role in the spread of Brahminical influence and the establishment of educational and religious centers. They also represent a distinct type of land tenure and economic practice prevalent in different parts of India.

25. Which one among the following statements about the coins of the Gupta

Which one among the following statements about the coins of the Gupta rulers is correct ?

The obverse and reverse, both, had only the king's portrait and date
The obverse and reverse, both, had only an image of a deity and date
The obverse generally had king's portrait and reverse had an image of a deity or a motif
The obverse generally had king's portrait and reverse always had a date
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The obverse generally had the king’s portrait and the reverse had an image of a deity or a motif in the coins of the Gupta rulers.
Gupta coinage is renowned for its aesthetic quality and variety. The coins typically depicted the ruling king on the obverse in various poses (e.g., standing, archer, lion-slayer, playing veena, horseman). The reverse side commonly featured images of deities such as Lakshmi, Durga, or motifs like the peacock, often accompanied by legends or inscriptions.
Gupta coins were primarily made of gold, though silver and copper coins were also issued. The inscriptions were usually in Sanskrit written in the Brahmi script.

26. Which one among the following was not an attribute of Samudragupta des

Which one among the following was not an attribute of Samudragupta described in Prayag Prashasti?

Sharp and polished intellect
Accomplished sculptor
Fine musical performances
Poetical talent of a genius
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The Prayag Prashasti (Allahabad Pillar inscription), composed by Harishena, praises Samudragupta extensively. It describes his military conquests, statesmanship, learning, and personal accomplishments. He is referred to as a great poet (‘Kaviraja’) and coins depict him playing the Veena, indicating his interest and probable skill in music. His military and administrative successes imply a sharp intellect. However, there is no mention or indication in the Prayag Prashasti or other historical sources that Samudragupta was an accomplished sculptor.
The Prayag Prashasti lists many attributes of Samudragupta, including poetic talent and musical ability, but not sculpting.
Samudragupta was one of the most powerful rulers of the Gupta Empire. His reign is significant for military expansion and cultural achievements. The Prayag Prashasti serves as a crucial source of information about him.
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