The Gupta Era: An Age of Tireless Creativity

VSAQ for Chapter 7 The Gupta Era: An Age of Tireless Creativity Class 7 Social Science NCERT

Important Questions

1

Q1: What period does the Gupta Era refer to?

Answer

The Gupta Era refers to the 3rd to 6th century CE.
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2

Q2: What is the Gupta Empire known for?

Answer

The Gupta Empire is known for its achievements in art, literature, science, and governance.

Gupta Empire
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3

Q3: What title did Gupta rulers use to signify their supreme power?

Answer

Gupta rulers used titles like maharajadhiraja, samrat, and chakravartin.
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4

Q4: What was the significance of the Iron Pillar in Delhi?

Answer

The Iron Pillar in Delhi is known for its advanced metallurgy and rust-resistant iron.
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5

Q5: Who was Samudragupta and what was his contribution?

Answer

Samudragupta was a warrior king who expanded the Gupta Empire through military conquests.
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6

Q6: What is the Prayaga Prashasti?

Answer

The Prayaga Prashasti is a pillar inscription praising Samudragupta’s achievements, written by his poet Harisena.
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7

Q7: What did Faxian, a Chinese traveller, observe about Gupta society?

Answer

Faxian noted that people were content, cities were wealthy, and merchants built charity houses, but chandālas faced harsh treatment.
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8

Q8: What was the main source of income for the Gupta Empire?

Answer

The main source of income for the Gupta Empire was land tax, along with other taxes on mines, irrigation, and trade.
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9

Q9: What role did Prabhāvatī Gupta play in strengthening the Gupta-Vākāṭaka relations?

Answer

Prabhāvatī Gupta married a Vākāṭaka prince and later became a regent for her sons, strengthening the Gupta-Vākāṭaka ties.
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10

Q10: What is the significance of Nālandā University during the Gupta period?

Answer

Nālandā University was a major center of learning, supported by the Gupta rulers, and attracted scholars from across the world.

Nalanda University
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11

Q11: What is the Iron Pillar a symbol of?

Answer

The Iron Pillar is a symbol of Gupta-era advancements in metallurgy, especially in rust-resistant iron.
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12

Q12: What was the role of the Gupta dynasty in spreading Buddhism?

Answer

The Gupta dynasty supported Buddhism by funding Buddhist vihāras (monasteries) and promoting religious tolerance.
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13

Q13: What kind of advancements did Āryabhaṭa make in science?

Answer

Āryabhaṭa made significant advancements in mathematics and astronomy, such as calculating the Earth's size and explaining solar eclipses.
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14

Q14: What did Varāhamihira contribute to science?

Answer

Varāhamihira wrote Brihat Samhita, which covered topics like astronomy, astrology, and weather forecasting.
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15

Q15: What is Kālidāsa’s Meghadūtam about?

Answer

Kālidāsa’s Meghadūtam is a poem about a yaksha sending a message to his beloved via a cloud.

Kalidas
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16

Q16.: What were the key features of Gupta-era art?

Answer

Gupta-era art is known for its beauty, detailed carvings, and sculptures, especially in sites like the Ajanta Caves.
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17

Q17: What was the cultural impact of the Gupta Empire?

Answer

The Gupta Empire had a profound cultural impact, fostering Sanskrit literature, religious tolerance, and artistic achievements.
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18

Q18: How did the Gupta Empire influence the development of mathematics?

Answer

The Gupta Empire contributed to mathematics through Āryabhaṭa’s work on calculations and solving equations, many of which are still in use today.
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19

Q19: What was the role of trade during the Gupta period?

Answer

Trade was vital to the Gupta economy, as India traded textiles, spices, and gems with the Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and China.
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20

Q20: How did Gupta rulers support other religions?

Answer

Gupta rulers supported various religions, including Buddhism, Jainism, and Brahmanism, by providing patronage and building religious institutions.
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21

Q21: What is the significance of the Ajanta Caves?

Answer

The Ajanta Caves are famous for their Buddhist paintings and sculptures, showcasing the Gupta Empire’s artistic achievements.

Ajanta Caves
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22

Q22: What does the term "Classical Age" refer to in the context of the Gupta Empire?

Answer

The term "Classical Age" refers to the Gupta period’s cultural and intellectual achievements, including art, literature, and science.
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23

Q23: What was the Gupta Empire’s approach to governance?

Answer

The Gupta Empire had a well-organized administration, with local rulers managing regions in exchange for tribute and loyalty.
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24

Q24: How did the Gupta period contribute to the development of the Indian numeral system?

Answer

The Gupta period saw the development of numerals, including early forms of zero, which influenced modern mathematics.
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25

Q25: What led to the decline of the Gupta Empire?

Answer

The decline of the Gupta Empire was caused by external invasions, internal conflicts, and the rise of regional powers.
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26

Q26: What was the capital of the Gupta Empire?

Answer

Pataliputra.
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27

Q27: What is the significance of the Iron Pillar in Delhi?

Answer

It demonstrates Gupta advances in metallurgy as it resists rust.
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28

Q28: Who was Faxian?

Answer

A Chinese traveler who visited India during the Gupta period and wrote about it.
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29

Q29: What was the primary language used for literature during the Gupta period?

Answer

Sanskrit.

Nalanda University
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