Top GK Questions and Answers on The Gupta Empire

The Gupta Empire is often referred to as the Golden Age of India, which marked a time of cultural brilliance, scientific progress and artistic excellence. The Gupta Empire flourished in the 3rd century, which unified the whole Indian subcontinent in one legacy and also laid the foundation of a rich legacy of literature, mathematics and astronomy. Many great rulers of the Gupta Dynasty, like Chandragupta I, Samudragupta and Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya), played a significant role in strengthening the Gupta Empire.

Also Read: List of the Mauryan Empire Kings: A Brief Overview of Their Administrative Roles & Victory

In this question series, we will cover all GK important questions related to the Gupta Empire, which is very important for various exams.

Top GK Questions and Answers on The Gupta Empire

1. Who is considered the founder of the Gupta Empire?

1. Samundragupta
2. Chandragupta I
3. Chandragupta II
4. Skandagupta

Answer: b) Chandragupta I

Explanation: Chandragupta I is regarded as the founder of the Gupta Empire. He laid the foundation around 320 CE, and his marriage alliance with the Lichchhavi princess strengthened the Gupta position in northern Bihar.

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2. Which Gupta ruler is known as the ‘Napoleon of India’?

1. Chandragupta I
2. Samudragupta
3. Kumaragupta
4. Skandagupta

Answer: b) Samudragupta

Explanation: Samundragupta earned the title of ‘Napoleon of India’ from famous historian Vincent Smith due to his military conquest and expansion of the empire across a vast territory.

3. Which Gupta king took the title ‘Vikramaditya’?

1. Chandragupta I
2. Samudragupta
3. Chandragupta II
4. Skandagupta

Answer: c) Chandragupta II

Explanation: Chandragupta II, son of Samundragupta, assumed the title of ‘Vikramaditya’. During his reign, the Gupta Empire was considered to be at its peak in Gupta’s cultural and economic prosperity. 

4. The famous Sanskrit poet Kalidasa lived during the reign of which Gupta ruler?

1. Samudragupta
2. Chandragupta II
3. Kumaragupta
4. Skandagupta

Answer: b) Chandragupta II

Explanation: Kalidas, one of India’s greatest poets and playwrights, flourished during Chandragupta II’s reign, who supported the arts, literature and education system in India.

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5. The famous Chinese traveller, Fa-Hien, visited during whose reign?

1. Chandragupta I
2. Samudragupta
3. Chandragupta II
4. Skandagupta

Answer: c) Chandragupta II

Explanation: Fa-Hien, a Chinese Buddhist monk, visited India during Chandragupta II’s reign around 399-414 CE. He also described the peaceful and prosperous condition of the Gupta Empire.

6. Which language was used for inscriptions and literature during the Gupta period?

1. Pali
2. Prakrit
3. Sanskrit
4. Tamil

Answer: c) Sanskrit

Explanation: In the Gupta period, Sanskrit was promoted as the main language for administration, literature and inscriptions, leading to the classical age of Sanskrit literature.

7. Which Gupta ruler issued the most Gold coins during their reign?

1. Chandragupta I
2. Samudragupta
3. Chandragupta II
4. Skandagupta

Answer: b) Samudragupta

Explanation: Samudragupta issued a wide variety of gold coins, reflecting his military achievements, artistic taste and the economic prosperity of the Gupta era.

8. What was the capital of the Gupta Empire?

1. Ujjain
2. Kannauj
3. Pataliputra
4. Prayag

Answer: c) Pataliputra

Explanation: Patliputra, in modern Patna, was the political and administrative capital of the Gupta Empire, symbolising its central governance and connectivity.

9. Which of the following works is attributed to Kalidasa?

1. Arthashastra
2. Abhijnanashakuntalam
3. Rajatarangini
4. Mudrarakshasa

Answer: b) Abhijnanashakuntalam

Explanation: Abhijnanashakuntalam was a famous play which was written by Kalidas, showing his mastery in Sanskrit drama and the rich cultural environment of the Gupta era.

10. Which inscription is considered the chief source of information about Samundragupta’s reign and his military conquests?

1. Mehrauli Iron Pillar Inscription
2. Prayag Prashasti (Allahabad Pillar Inscription)
3. Nasik Cave Inscription
4. Aihole Inscription

Answer: b) Prayag Prashasti (Allahabad Pillar Inscription)

Explanation: Composed by Harishena, Samudragupta’s court poet, the Prayag Prashasti (Allahabad Pillar Inscription) gives a detailed and reliable account of his military campaign, personal qualities and administrative policies. It is one of the most important political records of the Gupta Dynasty.

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