The Gupta Empire

The Gupta Empire
E. Answer the following questions in one or two words/ sentences:
Question 1.
Why did the Pallava ruler of Kanchi form a confederacy against Samudragupta?
Answer:
The Pallava ruler of Kanchi form a confederacy against Samudragupta because he
realized that he could not face Samudragupta alone. So he formed a confederacy
of the kings of South India under his leadership.
Question 2.
Why did Samudragupta not annex the South Indian kingdoms after defeating
them?
Answer:
Samudragupta did not annex the South Indian kingdoms because he realized it
would not be easy to control such a vast empire without proper transport and
communication facilities.
Question 3.
Why did the frontier states of the east and the west surrender to Samudragupta?
Answer:
The frontier states of east and the west surrender to Samundragupta because the
ruler of these states accepted him as their overlord and paid large sum of money
as a tribute.
Question 4.
Why did Samudragupta perform the Ashvamedha yagna?
Answer:
Samudragupta celebrated his conquests by performing the Ashvamedha yagna.
Question 5.
What was the extent of Samudragupta’s empire?
Answer:
Samudragupta’s empire extended from Bengal in the east to Delhi in the west
from the Himalayas in the North to Narmda in the South. His indirect control over
the vassal states also.
Question 6.
Name the Chinese scholar who visited India during the reign of Chandragupta
Vikramaditya.
Answer:
Fa Hien visited India during the reign of Chandragupta Vikramaditya.
Question 7.
Mention two important reasons for the downfall of the Gupta empire.
Answer:
The important two reasons for the downfall of the Gupta empire are
following.
1. Skandagupta’ successors were week.

2. They could not protect the empire from the repeated onslaughts of the
Huns.
Question 8.
Why did the religious beliefs of the Bhakti cult gain mass popularity?
Answer:
Bhakti cult which believed in selfless devotion to God gained mass popularity as
this cult was inexpensive and simple.
Question 9.
Name the most outstanding Sanskrit playwright of the Gupta period.
Answer:
Kalidasa was the most famous Sanskrit poet and playwright of this period.
Question 10.
Which Buddhist university was patronized by the Gupta rulers?
Answer:
The Buddhist university of Nalanda was patronized by the Gupta rulers.
F. Answer the following questions briefly:

Question 1.
What was the political condition of India after the decline of the Kushans and the
Satavahans?
Answer:
After the decline of the Kushans and Satvahanas. India was divided into a number
of small kingdoms and republics. This period of political chaos and instability.
Question 2.
How did Chandragupta Vikramaditya strengthen his power and position through
1. Matrimonial alliances and

2. War?
Answer:
Matrimonial alliances:
Chandragupta Vikramaditya strengthen his position by matrimonial alliance. He
married the daughter of a powerful Naga ruler. He gave his daughter in marriage
to the Vakataka ruler in the Deccan from whom he got valuable help during his
campaigns against the Sakas.
War:
Chandragupta extended the western boundaries of his empire to Arabian Sea by
defeating the Saka ruler. This was a very important victory because it gave the
Guptas control over the three great seaports on the western coast. These were
outlets to vast overseas trade. This led to economic growth and prosperity. He
moved his capital to Ujjain.
Question 3.
What according to Fa Hien was the condition of the people during the Gupta
period?
Answer:
According to Fa Hien’s account the people were honest, secure, prosperous and
happy during Gupta Period. There was no capital punishment, for very serious
crimes like treason and rebellion the right hand was cut off. Criminals were
usually fined. Taxes were light.
Question 4.
Rapid progress was made during the Gupta period in the fields of
(1)Astronomy and
(2) Mathematics. Explain.
Answer:
1. Astronomy:
A tremendous progress was made in the field of astronomy. Aryabhatta
who was a known astronomer discovered the movements of earth i.e., it
moves around the sun on it axis. He also found out the causes of lunar and
solar eclipses.
2. Mathematics:
The discovery of the zero and decimal system was made in use during
Gupta period.
Question 5.
How do we know that
(1) The science of metallurgy was highly advanced and
(2) Education was encouraged during the Gupta period?
Answer:
1. Metallurgy:
Mehrauli pillars throw light on the iron metallurgy of this period. The pillar
was built in the 4th century ce has not rusted in the last few centuries. The
25 meter high copper statue of Buddha and the numerous gold coins
testify the skill in metal casting.
2. Education: The Guptas encouraged education and learning. Liberal grants
were given to educational institutions. Their greatest contribution was the
establishment of the Nalanda University, which became very famous during
the reign of Harsha in the 7th century CE.
The Nalanda Universtiy was a center of Buddhist learning. Medicine,
astronomy, grammar, philosophy and Vedic literature were some of the
other subjects taught at this university.

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The Gupta Empire

E. Answer the following questions in one or two words/ sentences:

1. Skandagupta’ successors were week.

F. Answer the following questions briefly:

1. Matrimonial alliances and

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