gupta & post gupta period quiz set 2 Questions and Answers Detailed Explanation

Answer: (a)

Pallava period was a great age of temple building. The Pallavas introduced the art of excavating temples from the rock. In fact, the Dravidian style of temple architecture began with the Pallava rule. It was a gradual evolution starting from the cave temples to monolithic rathas and culminated in structural temples.

The development of temple architecture under the Pallavas can be seen in four stages. Mahendravarman I introduced the rock-cut temples. This style of Pallava temples is seen at places like Mandagappattu, Mahendravadi, Mamandur, Dalavanur, Tiruchirappalli, Vallam, Siyamangalam and Tirukalukkunram.

The second stage of Pallava architecture is represented by the monolithic rathas and Mandapas found at Mamallapuram. Narasimhavarman I took the credit for these wonderful architectural monuments.

Answer: (c)

In the courtyard of the Quwat-ul-Islam mosque of Delhi stands the famous Iron pillar in the memory of Chandragupta II. The height of the pillar, from the top of its capital to the bottom of its base, is 7.21 m (23.7 ft), 1.12 m (3 ft 8 in) of which is below ground.

Its bell pattern capital is 1.07 m (3 ft 6 in) in height and its bulb-shaped base is 0.71 m (2 ft 4 in) high. The base rests on a grid of iron bars soldered with lead into the upper layer of the dressed stone pavement.

The pillar’s lower diameter is 420 mm (17 in), and its upper diameter 306 mm (12.0 in). It is estimated to weigh more than six tons.

Answer: (d)

The silver coins issued by the Guptas were called Rupaka. The silver coin was called Rupaka based on Sakas of Ujjaini weighing 32–36 grains.

According to Fa Hien, cowries were very common means of exchange. In Delhi Sultanate, gold coins were called Tanka which was equivalent to the Greek Drachm standard of 67 grains. The silver coins were called Drama.

Answer: (b)

Apart from these literary sources, there are inscriptions like the Mehrauli Iron Pillar Inscription and the Allahabad Pillar inscription. The first refers to the achievements of Chandragupta I. The most important source for the reign of Samudragupta is the Allahabad Pillar inscription. It describes his personality and achievements.

This inscription is engraved on an Ashokan pillar. It is written in classical Sanskrit, using the Nagari script. It consists of 33 lines composed by Harisena.

It describes the circumstances of Samudragupta’s accession, his military campaigns in North India and the Deccan, his relationship with other contemporary rulers, and his accomplishments as a poet and scholar.

Answer: (d)

Dharampala established the Somapura Mahavihara, a good educational centre of the time. Somapura Mahavihra, or the Great Monastery, was a renowned intellectual centre until the 12th century. Its layout perfectly adapted to its religious function, this monasterys city represents a unique artistic achievement.

Answer: (d)

The Chinese traveller Fa-Hein visited India in the reign of Chandragupta-II. The Chinese Buddhist pilgrim Fa-Hein, who spent six years (405–411) in India during Chandragupta II’s reign, spoke highly of the system of government, the means for dispensing charity and medicine (the emperor maintained free rest houses and hospitals), and the goodwill of the people.

But he never visited the emperor or his court. Chandragupta II was a devout Hindu, but he also tolerated the Buddhist and Jain religions.

The court of Chandragupta was made even more illustrious by the fact that it was graced by the Navaratna (nine jewels), a group of nine who excelled in the literary arts. Amongst these men was the immortal Kalidasa whose works dwarfed the works of many other literary geniuses, not only in his own age but in the ages to come.

Kalidasa was particularly known for his fine exploitation of the shringara (romantic) element in his verse.