Selina Textbook Solutions: The Age of the Guptas | History Class 9 ICSE PDF Download

 Page 1


The Age of the Guptas 
Exercises 
Question 1. 
Name one literary and another archaeological source to reconstruct the Age of the 
Gupta’s. 
Answer: 
1. Literary Source: Fa-hein visit to India. 
2. Archaeological Source: Allahabad Pillar Inscriptions. 
Question 2. 
Name the famous Inscription that tells us about the character and military achievements 
of Samudragupta. 
Answer: 
Allahabad Pillar Inscription 
Question 3. 
Which great conquest enabled Chandragupta II to carry the title of Sakari ? 
Answer: 
The Conquest of Gujarat and Kathiawar peninsula dominated by the Saka power, 
enabled Chandragupta II to carry the title of Sakari. 
Question 4. 
Who was Fa-hien ? What is the title of the book that he wrote about India ? 
Answer: 
Fa-hien was a Chinese pilgrim, who traveled all over India for more than 13 years. The 
title of the book that he wrote about India was, Fo-Kwo-Ki (The Travels of Fa-hien). 
Question 5. 
What did Fa-hien write about the City of Pataliputra ? 
Answer: 
Fa-hien wrote about the City of Pataliputra that the City had two grand monasteries-one 
of the Hinayana and other of the Mahayana. He noticed the usual grandeur of Ashoka’s 
Palace as such. People living there, were quite prosper by all means. There w
:
as an 
excellent hospital run by the wealthy citizens of the town. Rest-houses existed in large 
towns and on highways for the comforts of the travelers. The relations between the 
followers of various sects w’ere cordial. The people were honest and law-abiding. No 
uneven restrictions were imposed on them to move about anywhere in the City The 
criminal law was mild. Capital punishment was out of practice. 
Page 2


The Age of the Guptas 
Exercises 
Question 1. 
Name one literary and another archaeological source to reconstruct the Age of the 
Gupta’s. 
Answer: 
1. Literary Source: Fa-hein visit to India. 
2. Archaeological Source: Allahabad Pillar Inscriptions. 
Question 2. 
Name the famous Inscription that tells us about the character and military achievements 
of Samudragupta. 
Answer: 
Allahabad Pillar Inscription 
Question 3. 
Which great conquest enabled Chandragupta II to carry the title of Sakari ? 
Answer: 
The Conquest of Gujarat and Kathiawar peninsula dominated by the Saka power, 
enabled Chandragupta II to carry the title of Sakari. 
Question 4. 
Who was Fa-hien ? What is the title of the book that he wrote about India ? 
Answer: 
Fa-hien was a Chinese pilgrim, who traveled all over India for more than 13 years. The 
title of the book that he wrote about India was, Fo-Kwo-Ki (The Travels of Fa-hien). 
Question 5. 
What did Fa-hien write about the City of Pataliputra ? 
Answer: 
Fa-hien wrote about the City of Pataliputra that the City had two grand monasteries-one 
of the Hinayana and other of the Mahayana. He noticed the usual grandeur of Ashoka’s 
Palace as such. People living there, were quite prosper by all means. There w
:
as an 
excellent hospital run by the wealthy citizens of the town. Rest-houses existed in large 
towns and on highways for the comforts of the travelers. The relations between the 
followers of various sects w’ere cordial. The people were honest and law-abiding. No 
uneven restrictions were imposed on them to move about anywhere in the City The 
criminal law was mild. Capital punishment was out of practice. 
PQ. Which Gupta ruler defeated the Hunas ? 
Answer: Skandagupta defeated the Hunas. 
Question 6. 
What does Fa-hien write about the life of the people during the Gupta age? 
Answer: 
Fa-hien writes that the bulk of the population during the Gupta age was vegetarian and 
usually followed the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence) 
The caste-system prevailed and untouch ability had become an established institution in 
this age. The Chandalas occupied the lowest rank in society. They were outcasts and 
lived away from the people. They did menial jobs. When they approached a city or a 
market, they had to strike a piece of wood, so that others might avoid coming in contact 
with them. 
Slavery also existed, although the Brahmins could not be owned as slaves. Women 
were educated in fine arts and domestic virtues. Widow-remarriage was viewed with 
disfavor. The practice of Devadasi was prevalent. In other words, some girls were being 
maintained to many temples for the service of Gods. 
Question 7. 
Who was the greatest literary genius of the Gupta period? 
Answer: 
Kalidasa was the greatest literary genius of the Gupta period. 
Question 8. 
Name two dramas and two epics written by Kalidasa. 
Answer: 
Malavikagnimitra and Vikramorvasiya are the two dramas written by Kalidasa. The two 
epics are—Raghuvamsa and Kumarasambhava. 
Question 9. 
Mention the contributions of Aryabhatta in the field of astronomy. 
Answer: 
Aryabhatta was the first Indian astronomer to declare that the earth is spherical in shape 
and he proved that the earth revolves around the sun on its own axis. 
Question 10. 
Name the famous astronomer of the Gupta period after whom an Indian Satellite was 
named. 
Answer: 
Aryabhatta. 
 
Page 3


The Age of the Guptas 
Exercises 
Question 1. 
Name one literary and another archaeological source to reconstruct the Age of the 
Gupta’s. 
Answer: 
1. Literary Source: Fa-hein visit to India. 
2. Archaeological Source: Allahabad Pillar Inscriptions. 
Question 2. 
Name the famous Inscription that tells us about the character and military achievements 
of Samudragupta. 
Answer: 
Allahabad Pillar Inscription 
Question 3. 
Which great conquest enabled Chandragupta II to carry the title of Sakari ? 
Answer: 
The Conquest of Gujarat and Kathiawar peninsula dominated by the Saka power, 
enabled Chandragupta II to carry the title of Sakari. 
Question 4. 
Who was Fa-hien ? What is the title of the book that he wrote about India ? 
Answer: 
Fa-hien was a Chinese pilgrim, who traveled all over India for more than 13 years. The 
title of the book that he wrote about India was, Fo-Kwo-Ki (The Travels of Fa-hien). 
Question 5. 
What did Fa-hien write about the City of Pataliputra ? 
Answer: 
Fa-hien wrote about the City of Pataliputra that the City had two grand monasteries-one 
of the Hinayana and other of the Mahayana. He noticed the usual grandeur of Ashoka’s 
Palace as such. People living there, were quite prosper by all means. There w
:
as an 
excellent hospital run by the wealthy citizens of the town. Rest-houses existed in large 
towns and on highways for the comforts of the travelers. The relations between the 
followers of various sects w’ere cordial. The people were honest and law-abiding. No 
uneven restrictions were imposed on them to move about anywhere in the City The 
criminal law was mild. Capital punishment was out of practice. 
PQ. Which Gupta ruler defeated the Hunas ? 
Answer: Skandagupta defeated the Hunas. 
Question 6. 
What does Fa-hien write about the life of the people during the Gupta age? 
Answer: 
Fa-hien writes that the bulk of the population during the Gupta age was vegetarian and 
usually followed the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence) 
The caste-system prevailed and untouch ability had become an established institution in 
this age. The Chandalas occupied the lowest rank in society. They were outcasts and 
lived away from the people. They did menial jobs. When they approached a city or a 
market, they had to strike a piece of wood, so that others might avoid coming in contact 
with them. 
Slavery also existed, although the Brahmins could not be owned as slaves. Women 
were educated in fine arts and domestic virtues. Widow-remarriage was viewed with 
disfavor. The practice of Devadasi was prevalent. In other words, some girls were being 
maintained to many temples for the service of Gods. 
Question 7. 
Who was the greatest literary genius of the Gupta period? 
Answer: 
Kalidasa was the greatest literary genius of the Gupta period. 
Question 8. 
Name two dramas and two epics written by Kalidasa. 
Answer: 
Malavikagnimitra and Vikramorvasiya are the two dramas written by Kalidasa. The two 
epics are—Raghuvamsa and Kumarasambhava. 
Question 9. 
Mention the contributions of Aryabhatta in the field of astronomy. 
Answer: 
Aryabhatta was the first Indian astronomer to declare that the earth is spherical in shape 
and he proved that the earth revolves around the sun on its own axis. 
Question 10. 
Name the famous astronomer of the Gupta period after whom an Indian Satellite was 
named. 
Answer: 
Aryabhatta. 
 
Question 11. 
Mention the important contributions  of Varahamihira. 
Answer: 
Varahamihira was a great scientist of the Gupta age, he wrote Brihat Samhita which 
deals with Astronomy, Mathematics, Botany and Physical Geography. He also wrote a 
famous book on different branches of Jyotishastra and another work Pancha 
Siddhantika, giving an account of the five systems of Astronomy. 
Question 12. 
Mention two famous temples of the Gupta period. 
Answer: 
The Dasavatara Temple, also known as Vishnu Temple, at Deogarh near Jhansi, and 
Bhitargaon Temple near Kanpur. 
Question 13. 
Metion two important architectural features of the Dasavatara (Vishnu) Temple at 
Deogarh. 
Answer: 
The Temple stands on a wide basement with a flight of steps in the middle of each side. 
It had a spire and its roof was supported by pillars. 
Question 14. 
The Provincial Governors during the reign of the Gupta were called by which names 
?                                   Answer: 
The provincial governors were usually the princes of royal blood. As governors, they 
were called Uparika Maharaja or Pradeshikas. 
Question 15. 
The Districts (Vishyas) were placed under whose charge during the rule of Guptas ? 
Answer: 
A Bhukti was divided into districts called Vishyas, which were ruled by Vishayapatis or 
Ayuktas. They were usually appointed by the Provincial Governor. Many other persons 
had position of authority in the district administration. They were Prathamkayastlia who 
wrote letters and documents, Pushtapal, the keeper of records and Nagarshresthi, that 
is, the Chief Banker. 
Question 16. 
Mention an important cause for the revival of Brahmanical religion in the Gupta period. 
Answer: 
The Gupta monarchs were staunch supporters of Brahmanism, they gave a strong 
impetus to the restoration and enhancement of their religion. 
 
Page 4


The Age of the Guptas 
Exercises 
Question 1. 
Name one literary and another archaeological source to reconstruct the Age of the 
Gupta’s. 
Answer: 
1. Literary Source: Fa-hein visit to India. 
2. Archaeological Source: Allahabad Pillar Inscriptions. 
Question 2. 
Name the famous Inscription that tells us about the character and military achievements 
of Samudragupta. 
Answer: 
Allahabad Pillar Inscription 
Question 3. 
Which great conquest enabled Chandragupta II to carry the title of Sakari ? 
Answer: 
The Conquest of Gujarat and Kathiawar peninsula dominated by the Saka power, 
enabled Chandragupta II to carry the title of Sakari. 
Question 4. 
Who was Fa-hien ? What is the title of the book that he wrote about India ? 
Answer: 
Fa-hien was a Chinese pilgrim, who traveled all over India for more than 13 years. The 
title of the book that he wrote about India was, Fo-Kwo-Ki (The Travels of Fa-hien). 
Question 5. 
What did Fa-hien write about the City of Pataliputra ? 
Answer: 
Fa-hien wrote about the City of Pataliputra that the City had two grand monasteries-one 
of the Hinayana and other of the Mahayana. He noticed the usual grandeur of Ashoka’s 
Palace as such. People living there, were quite prosper by all means. There w
:
as an 
excellent hospital run by the wealthy citizens of the town. Rest-houses existed in large 
towns and on highways for the comforts of the travelers. The relations between the 
followers of various sects w’ere cordial. The people were honest and law-abiding. No 
uneven restrictions were imposed on them to move about anywhere in the City The 
criminal law was mild. Capital punishment was out of practice. 
PQ. Which Gupta ruler defeated the Hunas ? 
Answer: Skandagupta defeated the Hunas. 
Question 6. 
What does Fa-hien write about the life of the people during the Gupta age? 
Answer: 
Fa-hien writes that the bulk of the population during the Gupta age was vegetarian and 
usually followed the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence) 
The caste-system prevailed and untouch ability had become an established institution in 
this age. The Chandalas occupied the lowest rank in society. They were outcasts and 
lived away from the people. They did menial jobs. When they approached a city or a 
market, they had to strike a piece of wood, so that others might avoid coming in contact 
with them. 
Slavery also existed, although the Brahmins could not be owned as slaves. Women 
were educated in fine arts and domestic virtues. Widow-remarriage was viewed with 
disfavor. The practice of Devadasi was prevalent. In other words, some girls were being 
maintained to many temples for the service of Gods. 
Question 7. 
Who was the greatest literary genius of the Gupta period? 
Answer: 
Kalidasa was the greatest literary genius of the Gupta period. 
Question 8. 
Name two dramas and two epics written by Kalidasa. 
Answer: 
Malavikagnimitra and Vikramorvasiya are the two dramas written by Kalidasa. The two 
epics are—Raghuvamsa and Kumarasambhava. 
Question 9. 
Mention the contributions of Aryabhatta in the field of astronomy. 
Answer: 
Aryabhatta was the first Indian astronomer to declare that the earth is spherical in shape 
and he proved that the earth revolves around the sun on its own axis. 
Question 10. 
Name the famous astronomer of the Gupta period after whom an Indian Satellite was 
named. 
Answer: 
Aryabhatta. 
 
Question 11. 
Mention the important contributions  of Varahamihira. 
Answer: 
Varahamihira was a great scientist of the Gupta age, he wrote Brihat Samhita which 
deals with Astronomy, Mathematics, Botany and Physical Geography. He also wrote a 
famous book on different branches of Jyotishastra and another work Pancha 
Siddhantika, giving an account of the five systems of Astronomy. 
Question 12. 
Mention two famous temples of the Gupta period. 
Answer: 
The Dasavatara Temple, also known as Vishnu Temple, at Deogarh near Jhansi, and 
Bhitargaon Temple near Kanpur. 
Question 13. 
Metion two important architectural features of the Dasavatara (Vishnu) Temple at 
Deogarh. 
Answer: 
The Temple stands on a wide basement with a flight of steps in the middle of each side. 
It had a spire and its roof was supported by pillars. 
Question 14. 
The Provincial Governors during the reign of the Gupta were called by which names 
?                                   Answer: 
The provincial governors were usually the princes of royal blood. As governors, they 
were called Uparika Maharaja or Pradeshikas. 
Question 15. 
The Districts (Vishyas) were placed under whose charge during the rule of Guptas ? 
Answer: 
A Bhukti was divided into districts called Vishyas, which were ruled by Vishayapatis or 
Ayuktas. They were usually appointed by the Provincial Governor. Many other persons 
had position of authority in the district administration. They were Prathamkayastlia who 
wrote letters and documents, Pushtapal, the keeper of records and Nagarshresthi, that 
is, the Chief Banker. 
Question 16. 
Mention an important cause for the revival of Brahmanical religion in the Gupta period. 
Answer: 
The Gupta monarchs were staunch supporters of Brahmanism, they gave a strong 
impetus to the restoration and enhancement of their religion. 
 
Question 17. 
What is the importance of Panchatantra? 
Answer: 
It is a collection of stories which intended to teach moral lessons to children. 
Question 18. 
Name three important sciences which made great progress during the Gupta period. 
Answer: 
Astronomy, mathematics and medicine. 
Question 19. 
Mention the famous work on medicine written by Vriddha-Vagabhatta. 
Answer: 
Ashtang Sangrah. 
Question 20. 
Which Gupta ruler defeated the Hunas? 
Answer: 
Skandagupta defeated the Hunas. 
Question 21. 
Mention two pieces of evidence to show that the art of Sculpture excelled during the 
Gupta period. 
Answer: 
The statue of the Standing Buddha discovered at Mathura and the figure of the Great 
Boar done in relief at the entrance of the Cave at Udayagiri are the two pieces of 
evidence that show that the art of Sculpture excelled during the Gupta period. 
Question 22. 
What is known as Frescoes ? 
Ans. 
The paintings done on the walls are called Frescoes. 
Question 23. 
Mention two places famous for the art of painting during the Gupta period. 
Answer: 
The Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra State and the Bagh Caves near Gwalior in Madhya 
Pradesh. 
 
 
Page 5


The Age of the Guptas 
Exercises 
Question 1. 
Name one literary and another archaeological source to reconstruct the Age of the 
Gupta’s. 
Answer: 
1. Literary Source: Fa-hein visit to India. 
2. Archaeological Source: Allahabad Pillar Inscriptions. 
Question 2. 
Name the famous Inscription that tells us about the character and military achievements 
of Samudragupta. 
Answer: 
Allahabad Pillar Inscription 
Question 3. 
Which great conquest enabled Chandragupta II to carry the title of Sakari ? 
Answer: 
The Conquest of Gujarat and Kathiawar peninsula dominated by the Saka power, 
enabled Chandragupta II to carry the title of Sakari. 
Question 4. 
Who was Fa-hien ? What is the title of the book that he wrote about India ? 
Answer: 
Fa-hien was a Chinese pilgrim, who traveled all over India for more than 13 years. The 
title of the book that he wrote about India was, Fo-Kwo-Ki (The Travels of Fa-hien). 
Question 5. 
What did Fa-hien write about the City of Pataliputra ? 
Answer: 
Fa-hien wrote about the City of Pataliputra that the City had two grand monasteries-one 
of the Hinayana and other of the Mahayana. He noticed the usual grandeur of Ashoka’s 
Palace as such. People living there, were quite prosper by all means. There w
:
as an 
excellent hospital run by the wealthy citizens of the town. Rest-houses existed in large 
towns and on highways for the comforts of the travelers. The relations between the 
followers of various sects w’ere cordial. The people were honest and law-abiding. No 
uneven restrictions were imposed on them to move about anywhere in the City The 
criminal law was mild. Capital punishment was out of practice. 
PQ. Which Gupta ruler defeated the Hunas ? 
Answer: Skandagupta defeated the Hunas. 
Question 6. 
What does Fa-hien write about the life of the people during the Gupta age? 
Answer: 
Fa-hien writes that the bulk of the population during the Gupta age was vegetarian and 
usually followed the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence) 
The caste-system prevailed and untouch ability had become an established institution in 
this age. The Chandalas occupied the lowest rank in society. They were outcasts and 
lived away from the people. They did menial jobs. When they approached a city or a 
market, they had to strike a piece of wood, so that others might avoid coming in contact 
with them. 
Slavery also existed, although the Brahmins could not be owned as slaves. Women 
were educated in fine arts and domestic virtues. Widow-remarriage was viewed with 
disfavor. The practice of Devadasi was prevalent. In other words, some girls were being 
maintained to many temples for the service of Gods. 
Question 7. 
Who was the greatest literary genius of the Gupta period? 
Answer: 
Kalidasa was the greatest literary genius of the Gupta period. 
Question 8. 
Name two dramas and two epics written by Kalidasa. 
Answer: 
Malavikagnimitra and Vikramorvasiya are the two dramas written by Kalidasa. The two 
epics are—Raghuvamsa and Kumarasambhava. 
Question 9. 
Mention the contributions of Aryabhatta in the field of astronomy. 
Answer: 
Aryabhatta was the first Indian astronomer to declare that the earth is spherical in shape 
and he proved that the earth revolves around the sun on its own axis. 
Question 10. 
Name the famous astronomer of the Gupta period after whom an Indian Satellite was 
named. 
Answer: 
Aryabhatta. 
 
Question 11. 
Mention the important contributions  of Varahamihira. 
Answer: 
Varahamihira was a great scientist of the Gupta age, he wrote Brihat Samhita which 
deals with Astronomy, Mathematics, Botany and Physical Geography. He also wrote a 
famous book on different branches of Jyotishastra and another work Pancha 
Siddhantika, giving an account of the five systems of Astronomy. 
Question 12. 
Mention two famous temples of the Gupta period. 
Answer: 
The Dasavatara Temple, also known as Vishnu Temple, at Deogarh near Jhansi, and 
Bhitargaon Temple near Kanpur. 
Question 13. 
Metion two important architectural features of the Dasavatara (Vishnu) Temple at 
Deogarh. 
Answer: 
The Temple stands on a wide basement with a flight of steps in the middle of each side. 
It had a spire and its roof was supported by pillars. 
Question 14. 
The Provincial Governors during the reign of the Gupta were called by which names 
?                                   Answer: 
The provincial governors were usually the princes of royal blood. As governors, they 
were called Uparika Maharaja or Pradeshikas. 
Question 15. 
The Districts (Vishyas) were placed under whose charge during the rule of Guptas ? 
Answer: 
A Bhukti was divided into districts called Vishyas, which were ruled by Vishayapatis or 
Ayuktas. They were usually appointed by the Provincial Governor. Many other persons 
had position of authority in the district administration. They were Prathamkayastlia who 
wrote letters and documents, Pushtapal, the keeper of records and Nagarshresthi, that 
is, the Chief Banker. 
Question 16. 
Mention an important cause for the revival of Brahmanical religion in the Gupta period. 
Answer: 
The Gupta monarchs were staunch supporters of Brahmanism, they gave a strong 
impetus to the restoration and enhancement of their religion. 
 
Question 17. 
What is the importance of Panchatantra? 
Answer: 
It is a collection of stories which intended to teach moral lessons to children. 
Question 18. 
Name three important sciences which made great progress during the Gupta period. 
Answer: 
Astronomy, mathematics and medicine. 
Question 19. 
Mention the famous work on medicine written by Vriddha-Vagabhatta. 
Answer: 
Ashtang Sangrah. 
Question 20. 
Which Gupta ruler defeated the Hunas? 
Answer: 
Skandagupta defeated the Hunas. 
Question 21. 
Mention two pieces of evidence to show that the art of Sculpture excelled during the 
Gupta period. 
Answer: 
The statue of the Standing Buddha discovered at Mathura and the figure of the Great 
Boar done in relief at the entrance of the Cave at Udayagiri are the two pieces of 
evidence that show that the art of Sculpture excelled during the Gupta period. 
Question 22. 
What is known as Frescoes ? 
Ans. 
The paintings done on the walls are called Frescoes. 
Question 23. 
Mention two places famous for the art of painting during the Gupta period. 
Answer: 
The Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra State and the Bagh Caves near Gwalior in Madhya 
Pradesh. 
 
 
Question 24. 
Mention two important features of the paintings at Ajanta. 
Answer: 
Two important features of the paintings at Ajanta are as follows: 
1. The rock walls were first plastered with a thick coating of clay, mixed with straw, 
gypsum and other materials. Then a thin layer of lime-plaster was applied to 
produce a glazed surface for making the painting more effective. 
2. On the glazed surface of the wall the outlines of the figures were drawn first. The 
artists used water colours. 
Question 25. 
Name the Chinese pilgrim who studied at the Nalanda University. 
Answer: 
Hiuen-Tsang was the Chinese pilgrim who studied at the Nalanda University. 
Question 26. 
Mention the extent of King Harsha’s empire. 
Answer: 
The extent of King Harsha’s empire included 
1. Eastern Punjab 
2. Kanauj (Uttar Pradesh) 
3. Magadha (Bihar) 
4. Bengal 
5. Orissa. 
Question 27. 
How can we say that Harshavardhana w as a patron of learning ? 
Answer: 
Matang Diwakar was the court-poet to Harshavardhana. His patronage to authors like—
Banabhatta, who wrote Harshcharita, and Mayur, who wrote Suryashataka, shows his 
interest in literature. Harsha himself was a scholar and an author of three plays—
Ratnavali, Nagananda and Priyadarshika. Nalanda University was patronised by 
Harshavardhana. 
Question 28. 
Who wrote Harshcharita ? 
Answer: 
Banabhatta wrote Harshcharita.