Rise of the Rajputs

Religious leaders promoting Hinduism

Scholars and patrons of the arts

Traders and merchants along the Silk Road

Local rulers and defenders of their territories (correct)

Invasion by the Huns and the need for local defense

Spread of Buddhism and the rise of warrior class

Decline of the Gupta Empire and regional power struggles (correct)

Introduction of new agricultural techniques and economic prosperity

Influence of Greek military tactics

Integration of tribal and feudal elements in society (correct)

Adoption of Confucian principles of governance

Introduction of advanced weaponry from China