Gupta Period History Quiz

Gupta Period (319 AD - 540 AD)

• The Gupta period is known as the 'Golden Age' due to its cultural achievements.
• The dynasty was founded by Srigupta, who defeated Satakarni, the last ruler of the Satvahana dynasty.
• Sanskrit was the official language of the Gupta period.
• The Gupta emperors were followers of Vaishnavism.
• The Dashavatar temple, situated on the Betwa coast, is an important relic of Vaishnavism from the Gupta period.

Chandragupta I (319 AD - 334 AD)

• Chandragupta I married the Licchavi princess Kumaradevi and assumed the title of 'Maharajadhiraja'.
• He started the Gupta Era (319-320 AD).

Samudragupta (335 AD - 380 AD)

• Samudragupta is known as the 'Napoleon of India' due to his military prowess.
• He was a lover of music and inscribed the idol of the goddess playing the veena on his coins.
• Samudragupta was also known as Kaviraj.
• Harisena, his court poet, composed the Allahabad Prasasti, which praised the state system of Samudragupta.

Chandragupta II (380 AD - 414 AD)

• Chandragupta II, also known as 'Vikramaditya', defeated the invasion of Shakas in India.
• He issued silver coins after his victory over the Shakas.
• The Navratna of Chandragupta II's court included Amar Singh, Dhanvantari, Harisena, Kalidasa, Kshapanaka, Shanku, Varahamihira, Araruchi, and Vetalabhatta.
• Scholars like Aryabhatta and Brahmagupta were also part of his court.
• Vishnugupta composed the Panchatantra, and Sudraka wrote the Mrichchhakatikam during this period.
• Nalanda University was established by Kumaragupta.
• Skanda Gupta got artificial lakes constructed.

Pushyabhuti Dynasty

• The founder of the Pushyabhuti Dynasty was Pushyabhuti, but its real founder was Prabhakarvardhan.
• Harshavardhana, who sat on the throne of Thaneshwar at the age of 16 in 606 AD, took over Kannauj and made it his capital.
• Pulakeshin II of the Chalukya dynasty defeated Harsha on the Banks of the Narmada.
• The Chalukya Records mention Harsha as Sakalottarapatheshvara (the lord of the entire north).
• Banabhatta was the court poet of Harsha and composed Harshacharita and Kadambari.