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.

Test your knowledge on the Gupta period in Indian history, known as the 'Golden Age' for its cultural achievements. Learn about the Gupta dynasty, official language, currency, and religious affiliations during this significant historical era.