Gupta and Post-Gupta Period

Q.1 Who is called ‘the Napoleon of Ancient India’? (56th to 59th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2015)

(a) Chandragupta Maurya

(b) Pushyamitra

(c) Kanishka

(d) Samudragupta

Ans. (d)

Exp:

1.   Samudragupta (c. 335–375 CE), the powerful Gupta emperor, is popularly called the “Napoleon of Ancient India” by historian V. A. Smith because of his extensive and successful military campaigns. His military achievements are especially known from the Prayaga Prashasti (Allahabad Pillar Inscription), composed by his court poet Harisena. His campaigns covered:
2. Aryavarta — several northern rulers were defeated and annexed.
3. Dakshinapatha — southern rulers were defeated but generally reinstated.
4. Forest kingdoms — brought under his authority.
5. Frontier rulers and some foreign rulers acknowledged his supremacy.

Other options:

1. Chandragupta Maurya: He was the founder of the Mauryan Empire and a major conqueror, but the title “Napoleon of Ancient India” is conventionally associated with Samudragupta.
2.  Pushyamitra: Founder of the Shunga dynasty and known for performing Ashvamedha sacrifices, but he is not given this epithet.
3.  Kanishka: The great Kushan ruler, famous for his empire, Buddhist patronage and association with the Fourth Buddhist Council, but not called the Napoleon of Ancient India.

Q.2 The first Gupta ruler to assume the title of ‘Parama Bhagawat’ was – (U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2015)

(a) Chandragupta- I (b) Samudragupta (c) Chandragupta- II (d) Ramagupta

Ans. (b)

Exp:

1. Parama Bhagavata means a supreme/devoted worshipper of Bhagavān Vishnu and indicates a Vaishnava affiliation. The important evidence traditionally cited for this UPPSC question is the Gaya and Nalanda copper-plate records attributed to Samudragupta, which describe him as: Paramabhāgavata
2. But there is an important historical complication: This is exactly the kind of question where exam-key convention and modern epigraphic scholarship can differ. The alleged Nalanda copper-plate attributed to Samudragupta has been questioned as spurious by epigraphists. An Archaeological Survey-related publication reproduces the wording “Paramabhāgavatā ... Samudraguptaḥ” but notes that the Nalanda plate is considered spurious. There is also strong epigraphic evidence for Chandragupta II being explicitly styled Paramabhāgavata. A scholarly inscription database gives the Bhitari seal genealogy in which Chandragupta II is explicitly called paramabhāgavata. Indeed, one scholarly source states that Chandragupta II is the first known Paramabhāgavata among the Gupta kings.

Q.3 ‘Prithivyah Pratham Veer’ was the title of – (U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2016)

(a) Samudragupta (b) Rajendra- I (c) Amoghavarsha (d) Gautamiputra Shatkarni

Ans. (a)

Exp:

1. Samudragupta is traditionally associated with the title “Prithivyah Pratham Veer”, meaning approximately: “The foremost/bravest warrior of the earth.”
2. His reputation for extraordinary military achievements comes primarily from the Prayaga Prashasti (Allahabad Pillar Inscription) composed by Harishena. His major campaigns included:

·  Conquest of Aryavarta

·  Southern campaign (Dakshinapatha)

·  Subjugation of forest kingdoms

·  Acceptance of his suzerainty by frontier states and foreign rulers

·  Hence, the title fits his image as the great Gupta conqueror.

1.  A 2016 Allahabad High Court judgment records that UPPSC deleted this Question after referring it to a history expert. The Commission concluded that none of the four options could be established as correct. The Court upheld the deletion.
2. The court specifically noted that the candidates relied on Tej Ram Sharma's A Political History of the Imperial Guptas and other textbooks to argue for Samudragupta, but the expert/Commission found that these sources did not establish that “Prithivyah Pratham Veer” was actually conferred as a title on Samudragupta.

Q.4 Which one of the following ports was in use for the north Indian trade during the Gupta period? (65th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2019)

(a) Kalyan (b) Tamralipti (c) Broach (d) Cambay (e) None of the above/More than one of the above

Ans. (e)

Exp:

Historically, Tamralipti (Tamralipta) is indeed a major port associated with North Indian/Gangetic trade during the Gupta period. It was located in Bengal, near present-day Tamluk in West Bengal, and was an important outlet for trade toward Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. The question is problematic because more than one of the listed ports was active during the Gupta period.

Q.5 Which one of the following ports handled the North Indian trade during the Gupta Period? (U.P.P.S.C. (R.I.) 2014)

(a) Bharuch (b) Kalyan (c) Cambay (d) Tamralipti

Ans. (d) Tamralipti

Exp:

1. Tamralipti (Tamralipta) was a major port of ancient Bengal, generally identified with Tamluk in present-day West Bengal. During the Gupta period, it handled the maritime trade of northern India, connecting the Gangetic region with: Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, China, Java, Sumatra. It was particularly important because of its connection with the Ganga–Gangetic hinterland and the Bay of Bengal trade network.
2. Ancient Bhrigukachchha/Bharuch was a major western-coast port, especially important for India's trade with the Western world.
3. Kalyan was another important western Indian port, associated particularly with trade on the western coast.
4. Cambay (Khambhat) was also a western-coast port in Gujarat and is not the answer to the specific North Indian trade question.

Q.6 With reference to the guilds (Shreni) of ancient India that played a very important role in the country’s economy which of the following statement is/are correct? (UPSC – 2012)

1. Every guild was registered with the central authority of the state, and the King was the chief administrative authority on them.

2. The wages, rules of work, standard and prices were fixed by the guild.

3. The guild had judicial powers over its members.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans. (c)

Exp:

1. Statement 1: This is incorrect. Ancient Indian guilds (Shrenis) enjoyed considerable autonomy in managing their internal affairs. They were not necessarily registered with a central state authority, nor was the King their chief administrative authority. The king could exercise overall supervision, particularly in matters affecting the wider state, but guilds largely regulated themselves.
2.  Statement 2: Correct. Guilds regulated various aspects of economic activity, including: Wages of workers, Rules and conditions of work, Quality/standards of goods, Prices of products. Thus, guilds played an important role in maintaining economic discipline.
3. Statement 3: Correct. Guilds had internal judicial/disciplinary authority over their members. They could settle disputes among members and impose penalties for violations of guild rules. This reflects the considerable corporate autonomy enjoyed by Shrenis.

Therefore, statements 2 and 3 are correct. 

Hence, option (c) is the correct answer.

Q.7 Who among the following is known for his work on medicine during the Gupta period? (65th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2019)

(a) Sushruta (b) Saumilla (c) Shudraka (d) Shaunaka (e) None of the above/More than one of the above

Ans. (a)

Exp:

1. Sushruta — Correct. Sushruta is one of the most important figures in ancient Indian medicine, particularly surgery (Śalya Chikitsā). He is traditionally associated with the Sushruta Samhita, an important treatise on surgery, medicine and related subjects. Although the exact date of Sushruta and the composition/redaction of the Sushruta Samhita are debated, he is the medical personality intended in this question.
2. Saumilla — Incorrect. Saumilla is associated with the Sanskrit literary/dramatic tradition, rather than being known as a major medical authority.
3. Shudraka — Incorrect. Shudraka is traditionally credited with the Sanskrit drama Mṛcchakaṭika (The Little Clay Cart) and is primarily known as a literary figure.
4. Shaunaka — Incorrect. Shaunaka is associated with the Vedic tradition and is traditionally credited with works such as the Bṛhaddevatā. He is not principally known for medical works.

Therefore, the correct answer is (a) Sushruta.

Q.8 With reference to the scientific progress of ancient India, which of the statements given below are correct? (UPSC - 2012)

1. Different kinds of specialized surgical instruments were in common use by AD first century.

2. Transplant of internal organs in the human body had begun by the beginning of AD third century.

3. The concept of the sine of an angle was known in AD fifth century.

4. The concept of cyclic quadrilaterals was known in AD seventh century.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below

(a) 1 and 2 (b) 3 and 4 (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans. (c)

Exp:

1. Statement 1: Correct. The Sushruta Samhita describes numerous specialized surgical instruments and procedures, including knives, forceps, probes and needles. This reflects the advanced surgical tradition of ancient India, with specialized instruments in use by the 1st century CE.
2. Statement 2: Incorrect. There is no reliable evidence that transplantation of internal organs had begun in ancient India by the beginning of the 3rd century CE. Ancient Indian medicine did practice sophisticated procedures, including reconstructive/plastic surgery, but these should not be confused with internal-organ transplantation.
3. Statement 3: Correct. Aryabhata, in his Aryabhatiya (499 CE), used jya (sine) in astronomical calculations and provided sine values. Thus, the concept of the sine of an angle was known by the 5th century CE.
4. Statement 4: Correct. Brahmagupta, in his Brahmasphutasiddhanta (628 CE), gave rules including a formula for the area of a cyclic quadrilateral. Thus, this mathematical concept was known in India by the 7th century CE.

Therefore, the correct answer is (c) 1, 3 and 4 only. 

Q.9 Match List-I with the List-II and select the correct answer from the codes given below: (U.P.P.C.S. (Re. Exam) (Pre) 2015)

Code :

     A B C D

(a) 1 2 3 4

(b) 3 2 1 4

(c) 2 1 4 3

(d) 4 3 2 1

Ans. (c)

Exp:

1. A. Ashoka → Priyadarsin (2): Ashoka's inscriptions commonly refer to him as Devanampiya Piyadassi/Priyadarsin. Devanampiya means “Beloved of the Gods”, while Piyadassi means “of gracious/kind appearance.” The personal name Ashoka occurs explicitly in inscriptions such as those at Maski and Gujarra.
2. B. Samudragupta → Parakramanka (1): Parakramanka is associated with Samudragupta and denotes his valour and military prowess. His extensive military achievements are described in the Prayaga Prashasti, composed by his court poet Harisena.
3. C. Chandragupta-II → Vikramaditya (4): Chandragupta II is traditionally and epigraphically associated with the title Vikramaditya. He greatly expanded the Gupta Empire, particularly through the defeat of the Western Kshatrapas.
4. D. Skandagupta → Kramaditya (3): Kramaditya is an epithet associated with Skandagupta, appearing in his coinage. He is also known for successfully resisting the Huna invasions and maintaining Gupta power during a difficult phase of the empire.

Hence, A–2, B–1, C–4 and D–3 are correctly matched.

Therefore, the correct answer is (c).

Q.10 With reference to forced labour (Vishti) in India during the Gupta period, which one of the following statements is correct? (UPSC - 2019)

(a) It was considered a source of income for the state, a sort of tax paid by the people

(b) It was totally absent in the Madhya Pradesh and Kathiawar regions of the Gutap Empire

(c) The forced labourer was entitled to weekly wages.

(d) The eldest son of the labourer was sent as the forced labourer.

Ans. (a)

Exp:

1. Vishti was a form of forced labour enforced by either state, provincial Governor or local chief. 
2. It is also mentioned in Gupta copper inscriptions that list out a variety of taxes. Junagarh inscription mentions vishti as one form of tax, which indicates that it was imposed in Gujarat and Malwa region. 
3. Since it was forced labour in lieu of tax, it was not wage labour. Wage labour existed in ancient India, but it was not called Vishti. Vishti could be imposed on anyone, not in particular on eldest son only.

Hence, statement (a) is correct. 

Q.11 Which type of land was called 'Aprahat'? (60th to 62nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2016)

(a) Without cultivated forest land. (b) Irrigated land. (c) Dense forest land. (d) Cultivated land.

(e) None of the above/More than one of the above

Ans. (a)

Exp:

Aprahat (Aprahata) referred to uncultivated/uncleared forest or wild land—land that had not been brought under cultivation. The term is used in descriptions of Gupta-period land classification.

 Therefore, the correct answer is (a). 

Q.12 With reference to the history of India, the terms "kulyavapa" and "dronavapa" denote – (UPSC - 2020)

(a) measurement of land (b) coins of different monetary value (c) classification of urban land (d) religious rituals

Ans. (a)

Exp:

1. Kulyavapa and Dronavapa were units of land measurement used in ancient India, particularly in land grants and inscriptions.
2. These measures were based on the quantity of seed required to sow a given area of land.
3. The term “vāpa” is associated with sowing, indicating the seed-based nature of these land measures.
4. Thus, Kulyavapa and Dronavapa denote measures of land area, rather than coins, urban-land classifications or religious rituals.

Hence, Kulyavapa and Dronavapa were units of land measurement.

Therefore, the correct answer is (a).

Q.13 Who amongst the following had defeated Huna ruler Mihirakula? (U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2016)

(a) Budhagupta (b) Yashodharman (c) Shashanka (d) Prabhakaravardhana

Ans. (b)

Exp:

1.  Mihirakula was one of the most powerful Huna (Alchon/Hephthalite) rulers in India. He initially established control over a large part of northern India. Around 528 CE, Yashodharman of the Aulikara dynasty of Malwa defeated Mihirakula. The victory is associated particularly with the Mandsaur/Sondani inscriptions of Yashodharman, which boast of his success against the Huna ruler.

·   Budhagupta was a Gupta emperor who ruled during the period of Huna pressure, but he is not the ruler credited with defeating Mihirakula.

·   Shashanka was the ruler of Gauda (Bengal) in the early 7th century and was a contemporary of Harshavardhana. He did not defeat Mihirakula.

·   Prabhakaravardhana was the Pushyabhuti/Vardhana ruler of Thanesar and father of Harsha. He is described in Harshacharita as a powerful enemy of the Hunas, but he belongs to a later period and is not credited with Mihirakula's defeat.

Hence, Mihirakula was defeated by Yashodharman.

Therefore, the correct answer is (b).

Q.14 Chinese traveller 'Sungyun' was came to India in: (60th to 62nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2016)

(a) 515 AD to 520 AD (b) 525 AD to 529 AD (c) 545 AD to 552 AD (d) 592 AD to 597 AD

(e) None of the above/More than one of the above

Ans. (a)

Exp:

1.  Sung Yun (Song Yun) was a Chinese Buddhist monk and traveller who travelled to north-western India during the reign of the Northern Wei dynasty. He was sent by Empress Hu to obtain Buddhist scriptures. Historical sources place the beginning of his journey from Luoyang in 518 AD. He reached Gandhara in 520 AD and eventually returned to China with Buddhist texts.

·  Important chronology for exams:

Q.15 With reference to the period of Gupta dynasty in ancient India, the towns Ghantasala, Kadura and Chaul were well known as – (UPSC - 2020)

(a) ports handling foreign trade (b) capitals of powerful kingdoms

(c) places of exquisite stone art and architecture (d) important Buddhist pilgrimage centers

Ans (a)

Exp:

·   The towns Ghantasala, Kadura and Chaul were important ports involved in foreign/maritime trade during the Gupta-period era.

·   These were important coastal trading centres:

·  Ghantasala → located in present-day Andhra Pradesh, near the Krishna delta; an important ancient port.

·  Kadura (Kudura) → associated with the eastern coast/Andhra region, mentioned in accounts of maritime trade.

·  Chaul → located on the western coast of Maharashtra, an important maritime trading centre.

·   Together, they illustrate the importance of maritime trade and overseas commerce in the Gupta-period Indian economy.

Q.16 With reference to the history of philosophical thought in India, consider the following statements regarding Samkhya School. (UPSC - 2013)

1. Sankhya does not accept the theory of rebirth or transmigration of the soul.

2. Sankhya holds that it is the self-knowledge that leads to liberation and not any exterior influence or agent.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2

(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans. (b)

Exp:

1. Statement 1: Incorrect. Samkhya accepts rebirth/transmigration. It is an Astika (orthodox) school and accepts the existence of Purusha and the cycle of samsara. In Samkhya, bondage occurs because of the failure to distinguish Purusha (consciousness) from Prakriti (matter/nature). Until true discriminative knowledge arises, the cycle of birth and death continues.
2. Statement 2: Correct. Samkhya says liberation (Kaivalya) is achieved through discriminative knowledge (Viveka/Jñāna)—realizing the fundamental distinction between:

·   Purusha → pure consciousness/self

·   Prakriti → material nature

1.  Once Purusha realizes that it is distinct from Prakriti, liberation occurs.

Q.17 With reference to Hath Yog, which of the following statement is/are correct? (U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2019)

1. Hath Yog was practised by Nathpanthis.

2. Hath Yog technique was also adopted by the Sufis.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans. (c)

Exp:

1. Statement 1: Correct. Hatha Yoga was closely associated with the Nathpanthi tradition, particularly with Gorakhnath and the Nath yogis.
2. Statement 2: Correct. Hatha Yoga practices also influenced some Sufi practitioners. The Persian work Bahr al-Hayat (Ocean of Life), associated with the Sufi saint Muhammad Ghawth of the Shattari order, contains descriptions of yogic practices and illustrates this interaction between Yoga and Sufi traditions.

Hence, option (c) is the correct answer.

Q.18 Which one of the following pairs does not form part of the six systems of Indian Philosophy? (UPSC - 2014)

(a) Mimansa and Vedanta (b) Nyaya and Vaisheshika

(c) Lokayata and Kapalika (d) Sankhya and Yoga

Ans. (c)

Exp:

1.  The six orthodox (Āstika) systems of Indian philosophy, traditionally called Ṣaḍdarśana, are: Sāṃkhya, Yoga, Nyāya, Vaiśeṣika, Mīmāṃsā (Purva Mīmāṃsā), and Vedānta (Uttara Mīmāṃsā). So, Lokayata and Kapalika do not form part of the six orthodox systems.
2. Mīmāṃsā → primarily concerned with Vedic ritual/dharma.
3. Vedānta → based particularly on the Upanishads and Brahma Sutras.
4. Nyāya → logic, reasoning and valid knowledge (pramāṇa).
5. Vaiśeṣika → categories of reality (padārthas), including its famous atomistic theory.
6. Sāṃkhya → Purusha + Prakriti; liberation through discriminative knowledge.
7. Yoga → associated with Patañjali; emphasizes discipline and meditation leading toward liberation.
8. Lokāyata/Chārvāka → materialist, generally classified as Nāstika because it rejects Vedic authority.
9. Kāpālika → a Shaiva Tantric ascetic tradition/sect, not one of the six Ṣaḍdarśanas.

Hence, option (c) is the correct answer.

Q.19 Which of the following philosophies of India propounded the atom theory? (66th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2020)

(a) Yoga (b) Nyaya (c) Sankhya (d) Vaisheshika (e) None of the above/More than one of the above

Ans (d)

Exp:

1. Maharishi Kanada is associated with the atom theory and is traditionally regarded as the founder of the Vaiśeṣika school of Indian philosophy, which developed an atomistic conception of matter.
2. According to Vaiśeṣika philosophy, physical objects are composed of indivisible and eternal atoms (paramāṇu). Different combinations of these atoms produce different material substances.

Q.20 Among the following rulers who had defeated Harshavardhana? (U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2016)

(a) Kirtivarman II (b) Vikramaditya II (c) Pulkeshin I (d) Pulakeshin II

Ans. (d)

Exp:

1. Pulakeshin II, the powerful ruler of the Badami (Vatapi) Chalukyas, successfully checked Harshavardhana's southward expansion near the Narmada River.
2. The encounter is described in the Aihole inscription (634 CE), composed by Pulakeshin II's court poet Ravikirti. The inscription celebrates Pulakeshin's success against Harsha.
3. The Narmada consequently came to mark the broad political divide between Harsha's sphere in northern India and Pulakeshin II's Chalukyan power in the Deccan.
4. Kirtivarman II and Vikramaditya II were later Badami Chalukya rulers and were not contemporaries of Harsha.
5. Pulakeshin I, the founder of the Badami Chalukya dynasty, belonged to an earlier period and was also not a contemporary of Harsha.

Hence, option (d) is the correct answer.

Q.21 In whose reign-period the Chinese Traveller Hiuen-Tsang visited India? (U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2012)

(a) Chandragupta - II (b) Harsh (c) Chandragupta Maurya (d) Chandragupta- I

Ans. (b)

Exp:

1. Hiuen-Tsang (Xuanzang) visited India during the reign of Harshavardhana (Harsha), the ruler of the Pushyabhuti/Vardhana dynasty. Xuanzang came to India in 629 CE and stayed for about 16 years, returning to China around 645 CE.
2. During his stay, he spent considerable time at Harsha's court at Kannauj and also visited Nalanda, major Buddhist centres, and many parts of northern India. His account, Da Tang Xi Yu Ji (or Si-Yu-Ki) (Great Tang Records on the Western Regions), is an important source for 7th-century Indian history.

 Hence, option (b) is the correct answer.

Other options:

1. Chandragupta II ruled during the 4th–5th century CE. The Chinese traveller associated with his reign is Fa-Hien (Faxian), who visited India around 399–414 CE.
2. Chandragupta Maurya ruled in the 4th–3rd century BCE, far earlier than Xuanzang.
3. Chandragupta I ruled in the 4th century CE, also well before Xuanzang.

Q.22 Which Chinese traveller visited India during Harshavardhana’s rules? (56th to 59th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2015)

(a) Fa-Hien (b) Hiuen-Tsang (c) I-Tsing (d) Taranath

Ans. (b)

Exp:

1. Hiuen-Tsang (Xuanzang) visited India during the reign of Harshavardhana (Harsha), the ruler of the Pushyabhuti/Vardhana dynasty. Xuanzang came to India in 629 CE and stayed for about 16 years, returning to China around 645 CE.
2. During his stay, he spent considerable time at Harsha's court at Kannauj and also visited Nalanda, major Buddhist centres, and many parts of northern India. His account, Da Tang Xi Yu Ji (or Si-Yu-Ki) (Great Tang Records on the Western Regions), is an important source for 7th-century Indian history.

Q.23 Which of the following phrases defines the nature of the 'Hundi' generally referred to in the sources of the post-Harsha period? (UPSC - 2020)

(a) An advisory issued by the king to his subordi nates

(b) A diary to be maintained for daily accounts

(c) A bill of exchange

(d) An order from the feudal lord to his subordinates

Ans (c)

Exp:

1. The Hundi was a traditional Indian credit/financial instrument, broadly comparable to a bill of exchange. It was used for remitting money, credit transactions and payments, especially by merchants. A hundi was a written financial instrument through which one person could instruct another to pay a specified amount of money to a designated person, either immediately or at a specified time.
2. In simple terms: Hundi = traditional Indian bill of exchange / credit instrument. It was particularly important in the development of long-distance trade, because merchants could transfer value without physically carrying large quantities of cash.

Q.24 The famous Chinese pilgrim Fa-Hien visited India during the reign of – (63rd B.P.S.C (Pre.) 2017)

(a) Chandragupta I (b) Chandragupta II (c) Ramagupta (d) Srigupta

(e) None of the above/More than one of the above

Ans (b)

Exp:

1.  Fa-Hien (Faxian) visited India during the reign of Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) of the Gupta dynasty.
2.  Fa-Hien was a Chinese Buddhist monk and pilgrim. He came to India around 399 CE and stayed until about 414 CE. His visit falls mainly during the reign of Chandragupta II, who ruled approximately c. 375–415 CE. 
3. His travel account is known as Fo Guo Ji (or Fu-Kyo-Ki) (Record of Buddhist Kingdoms). His principal objective was to collect Buddhist texts, particularly Vinaya literature.

Q.25 The Chinese traveller Yuan Chwang (Hiuen Tsang), who visited India recorded the general conditions and culture of India at that time. In this context, which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC - 2013)

1. The roads and river-routes were completely immune from robbery.

2. As regards punishment for offences ordeals by fire, water and poison were the instruments for

determining the innocence or guilt of a person.

3. The tradesmen had to pay duties at ferries and barrier stations.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below

(a) Only 1 (b) 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 3 (d) All of these

Ans. (b)

Exp:

1.  Statement 1: Incorrect. Hiuen Tsang's account does not describe the roads and river routes as completely safe. In fact, he himself encountered robbers during his travels.
2.  Statement 2: Correct. Hiuen Tsang describes the use of ordeals for determining guilt or innocence. The ordeals included methods involving: Fire, Water, Poison, also other forms such as weighing.
3.  Statement 3: Correct. Hiuen Tsang recorded that merchants/tradesmen paid duties at ferries and barrier stations while transporting or exchanging their merchandise.

 Hence, option (b) is the correct answer.

Q.26 The famous Travelogue ‘Si-Yu-Ki’ is linked with – (U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2016)

(a) Fahien (b) Al Biruni (c) Megasthenes (d) Hiuen-Tsang

Ans. (d)

Exp:

1. Si-Yu-Ki (also written Xi-Yu-Ji / Xiyu Ji) is the famous travel account of the Chinese Buddhist pilgrim Hiuen-Tsang (Xuanzang), who travelled through India during the reign of Harshavardhana. Hiuen-Tsang visited India approximately 629–645 CE. After returning to China, his observations were compiled as: Si-Yu-Ki = “Record of the Western Regions”

·  It provides valuable information about:

·  Harsha's kingdom and administration

·  Indian society and customs

·  Buddhist monasteries and universities, especially Nalanda

·  Geography and political conditions

·  Religious practices

1. Fa-Hien: Fa-Hien's account is generally known as Fo-Kuo-Ki (Fo Guo Ji) — Record of Buddhist Countries.
2. Al-Biruni: Al-Biruni wrote Kitab-ul-Hind (Tahqiq-i-Hind), describing Indian society, religion, philosophy, sciences, etc.
3. Megasthenes: Megasthenes wrote Indica, based on his observations of the Mauryan Empire, particularly during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya.

Q.27 Chinese writers mention India by the name of – (U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2013)

(a) Fo-Kwo-ki (b) Yin-tu (c) Si-Yu-Ki (d) Sikia-Pono

Ans. (b)

Exp:

Yin-tu was the Chinese term used for India. It is derived from the Sanskrit name Sindhu. In ancient Chinese transliteration, the name underwent phonetic changes and came to be represented as Yin-tu.

Q.28 Nalanda Vihar was destroyed by: (60th to 62nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2016)

(a) Bakhtiyar Khalji

(b) Qutubddin Aibak

(c) Muhammad Bin Tughlaq

(d) Alauddin Khalji

(e) None of the above/More than one of the above

Ans. (a)

Exp:

  Nalanda Mahavihara was a major Buddhist centre of learning in Magadha. Its destruction is traditionally associated with the Turkic military commander Ikhtiyar al-Din Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khalji during his campaigns in Bihar around the late 12th/early 13th century. He also attacked other major Buddhist institutions in Bihar, notably Odantapuri and Vikramashila.

Q.29 With reference to Indian history, which of the following is/are the essential element/elements of the feudal system? (UPSC - 2015)

1. A very strong centralized political authority and a very weak provincial or local political authority

2. Emergence of administrative structure based on control and possession of land

3. Creation of lord-vassal relationship between the feudal lord and his overlord

Code :

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans. (b)

Exp:

1. Statement 1: Incorrect. A feudal system is generally characterised by the decentralisation and fragmentation of political authority, with considerable power exercised by regional or local lords. Therefore, a very strong centralised authority and very weak local authority is not an essential feature.
2. Statement 2: Correct. Feudal arrangements involved the emergence of an administrative and economic structure based substantially on control and possession of land, including land grants and rights over the revenue and resources of territories.
3. Statement 3: Correct. A lord–vassal relationship was an important feature of feudal organisation, involving hierarchical obligations such as loyalty, tribute and military/service obligations.

Therefore, statements 2 and 3 are correct.

Q.30 With reference to the history of India, consider the following pairs : (UPSC - 2020)

Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 3 only (b) 1 and 4 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 2 and 4 only

Ans (a)

Exp:

1. Bhilsa is the historical name associated with Vidisha, in present-day Madhya Pradesh. Ancient Vidisha/Bhilsa was an important political and commercial centre. It is located near important Buddhist sites such as Sanchi. The Heliodorus Pillar is located near Vidisha at Besnagar.
2.  Dwarasamudra (also called Dorसमुद्र / Dvarasamudra) was the capital of the Hoysala dynasty. It is identified with present-day Halebidu in Karnataka, not Maharashtra.
3. Girinagar is the ancient name associated with Girnar, near present-day Junagadh in Gujarat. Girnar is historically important for several inscriptions, especially: Ashoka's Rock Edicts, Rudradaman I's Junagadh inscription, Skandagupta's inscription.
4. Sthanesvara (Sthaneshvara) is identified with present-day Thanesar, in Haryana, not Uttar Pradesh. It was an important centre of the Pushyabhuti/Vardhana dynasty and is associated with Harshavardhana.

Therefore, pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched. 

Q.31 Consider the following pairs : (UPSC - 2022)

How many pairs given above are correctly matched?

(a) Only one pair (b) Only two pairs (c) Only three pairs (d) All four pairs

Ans: (b)

Exp:

1.  Chandella dynasty: The Chandela or Jejakabhukti was an Indian Rajput clan of Central India. As per 954 CE Khajuraho inscriptions, the first king of Chandela dynasty i.e., Nannuka was descendant of sage Chandratreya who was son of famous Vedic sage Atri. Hence, pair 1 is correctly matched.
2. Jayashakti (also known as Jejak) belonged to the Chandela dynasty and not the Paramara dynasty. Hence, pair 2 is not correctly matched.
3. Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty: Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty belonged to medieval India. The line of Nagabhata ruled first at Ujjain and later at Kannauj during the 8th to 11th centuries. Nagabhata II played an important part in wars with Rashtrakutas and Palas. Hence, pair 3 is correctly matched.
4.   Paramara dynasty: Bhoja, also known as Raja Bhoj Parmar, belonged to Parmara dynasty of medieval India. Bhoja built numerous temples like Bhojesvara temple. Raja Bhoja also wrote many books. Tatvaprakasa, Rajamartanda are surviving examples of Bhoja works. Hence, pair 4 is not correctly matched.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

Q.32 From the decline of Guptas until the rise of Harshavardhana in the early seventh century, which of the following kingdoms were holding power in Northern India? (UPSC - 2021)

1. The Guptas of Magadha

2. The Paramaras of Malwa

3. The Pushyabhutis of Thanesar

4. The Maukharis of Kanauj

5. The Yadavas of Devagiri

6. The Maitrakas of Valabhi

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 5 only (b) 1, 3, 4 and 6 only (c) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) 5 and 6 only

Ans: (b)

Exp:

1. Statement 1: Correct. The Later Guptas of Magadha emerged as a regional power after the decline of the Imperial Gupta Empire and continued to exercise authority in parts of northern India.
2. Statement 2: Incorrect. The Paramaras of Malwa emerged much later, around the 9th century CE, and therefore did not belong to the period between the decline of the Guptas and the rise of Harshavardhana.
3. Statement 3: Correct. The Pushyabhutis (Vardhanas) of Thanesar were an important power in northern India. Harshavardhana belonged to this dynasty.
4. Statement 4: Correct. The Maukharis of Kanauj were an important political power in northern India during the post-Gupta period.
5. Statement 5: Incorrect. The Yadavas of Devagiri rose to prominence much later, particularly from the 12th century CE, and therefore do not belong to the period in question.
6. Statement 6: Correct. The Maitrakas of Valabhi ruled large parts of present-day Gujarat and were among the important post-Gupta powers in western India

Therefore, statements 1, 3, 4 and 6 are correct.

Hence, option (b) is the correct answer.