Gupta Vakataka age MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Gupta Vakataka age - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is - Pravarsen I

Key Points

• Pravarsen I was the only king of the Vakataka dynasty to take the title of ‘Samrat’.
• The title ‘Samrat’ indicates a ruler who had achieved sovereignty over other kings, reflecting his supreme authority and political dominance.
• Pravarsen I expanded the Vakataka empire significantly, consolidating his power and establishing himself as a paramount ruler in the Indian subcontinent.
• He was a patron of Vedic culture and performed the prestigious Ashvamedha Yagna, a ritual that symbolized his legitimacy and supreme authority as an emperor.
• The Vakataka dynasty flourished under his reign, marking a period of prosperity and territorial expansion.

Additional Information

• The Vakataka Dynasty:
  • The Vakatakas were a prominent dynasty in ancient India, ruling parts of central and southern India from the 3rd to the 5th centuries CE.
  • They were contemporaries of the Gupta Empire and had close political and matrimonial alliances with the Guptas.
• Other Prominent Kings of the Vakataka Dynasty:
  • Vindhyashakti: The founder of the Vakataka dynasty, who laid the foundation for the dynasty's rise to power.
  • Rudrasen I: Played a significant role in consolidating the early Vakataka kingdom.
  • Pruthvishen I: Contributed to the stability of the kingdom but did not achieve the same level of prominence as Pravarsen I.
• Significance of the Ashvamedha Yagna:
  • This ancient Vedic ritual was performed by kings to assert their sovereignty and authority over neighboring territories.
  • The performance of this ritual by Pravarsen I highlights his ambition and status as a powerful ruler.

The correct answer is - Divakarasena

Key Points

• Vakataka Queen Prabhavati Gupta
  • She was a prominent queen of the Vakataka dynasty and played a crucial role in administering the kingdom.
  • Prabhavati Gupta was the daughter of the famous Gupta emperor Chandragupta II, also known as Chandragupta Vikramaditya.
  • After the death of her husband, Rudrasena II, she took charge of the Vakataka kingdom as a regent for her minor sons.
• Divakarasena
  • Divakarasena, her eldest son, was still a minor when Prabhavati Gupta assumed control of the administration.
  • As a regent, she ensured the stability and growth of the kingdom during his early years.
• Importance of her Regency
  • Her regency is noted for the influence of Gupta culture and policies on the Vakataka administration.
  • She issued several important inscriptions and grants during her time as the regent, reflecting her effective governance.

Additional Information

• Vakataka Dynasty
  • The Vakataka dynasty ruled over parts of central and southern India during the 3rd to 5th centuries CE.
  • They were contemporaries of the Gupta Empire and had matrimonial alliances with them.
  • Their rule is marked by significant cultural and political achievements, including patronage of art and literature.
• Role of Women in Ancient Indian Administration
  • Prabhavati Gupta is a notable example of a woman ruler who exercised significant political power in ancient India.
  • Other examples of women in administration include Rudramadevi and Ahilyabai Holkar.
  • Such instances demonstrate the capability and influence of women in governance, even in patriarchal societies.
• Gupta-Vakataka Relations
  • The marriage alliance between the Gupta and Vakataka dynasties strengthened their political and cultural ties.
  • The Gupta influence on the Vakatakas is evident in their administrative and cultural policies.
  • This alliance contributed to the stability and prosperity of the Vakataka kingdom under Prabhavati Gupta's regency.

The correct answer is - Vakataka

Key Points

• Rajatrangini
  • The Rajatrangini, written by Kalhana, is a historical chronicle of the rulers of Kashmir.
  • It primarily focuses on the history of Kashmir's dynasties, including the Karkotaka, Maurya, and Kushana dynasties.
• Vakataka Dynasty
  • The Vakataka dynasty was a powerful dynasty in central and southern India during ancient times.
  • However, it is not related to the history of Kashmir, and therefore, it is not mentioned in the Rajatrangini.
• Other Dynasties in Rajatrangini
  • The Karkotaka dynasty is detailed extensively as it played a major role in Kashmir's history.
  • References to the Maurya dynasty and Kushana dynasty appear in the text in relation to their influence on Kashmir.

Additional Information

• Rajatrangini's Historical Context
  • Written in the 12th century CE by Kalhana, the Rajatrangini is considered a seminal work in Indian historiography.
  • It is written in Sanskrit and provides detailed accounts of the rulers of Kashmir up to Kalhana's time.
  • The text is divided into eight books, known as "Tarangas," each focusing on different periods of Kashmir's history.
• Vakataka Dynasty Overview
  • The Vakataka dynasty ruled parts of central and southern India between the 3rd and 5th centuries CE.
  • They are known for their contributions to art, architecture (e.g., the Ajanta Caves), and their association with the Gupta Empire through matrimonial alliances.
  • Since they had no significant role in Kashmir's history, they are not mentioned in the Rajatrangini.
• Dynasties Mentioned in Rajatrangini
  • Karkotaka dynasty: Known for their significant contributions to Kashmir's culture and politics.
  • Maurya dynasty: Briefly mentioned in the text as a historical reference to their earlier influence.
  • Kushana dynasty: Referenced for their impact on trade and culture in the region.

The correct answer is - Vakatakas

Key Points

• Vakatakas are not mentioned in the Arya Manjushrimulakalpa, an important Buddhist text that preserves ancient Indian historical records.
• The Arya Manjushrimulakalpa primarily references dynasties significant to Buddhist history, such as the Guptas, Maitrakas, and Pushyabhutis, but excludes the Vakatakas.
• The Guptas were extensively recognized in Buddhist and historical texts due to their role in promoting Buddhism and creating an era of cultural flourishing.
• The Maitrakas and Pushyabhutis are similarly noted for their contributions to Indian history and religion.
• The Vakatakas, despite their significance in Indian history, were more closely associated with the Deccan region and Hindu traditions, which may explain their absence in this Buddhist text.

Additional Information

• Arya Manjushrimulakalpa
  • This ancient Buddhist text contains historical records and descriptions of political powers that influenced Buddhism and Indian culture.
  • It provides details on the reigns of various dynasties and their relationships with Buddhism.
• Guptas
  • The Gupta Empire is often referred to as the "Golden Age" of India due to advancements in art, literature, science, and religion.
  • Emperors like Chandragupta II and Kumaragupta were known for their patronage of Buddhism.
• Maitrakas
  • They ruled parts of western India and were known for their cultural contributions and support for Buddhism.
  • Their capital was located at Vallabhi, a center of Buddhist learning.
• Pushyabhutis
  • This dynasty, including rulers like Harshavardhana, played a key role in promoting Buddhism and Hinduism during their reign.
  • Harsha's court was known for its religious tolerance and patronage of Buddhist scholars.
• Vakatakas
  • They were a prominent dynasty in the Deccan region, known for their association with the Ajanta caves and Hindu traditions.
  • Their absence in the Arya Manjushrimulakalpa underscores their limited direct influence on Buddhist history as recorded in this text.

The correct answer is - Elichpur

Key Points

• Elichpur was never the capital of the Eastern branch of the Vakatakas.
• The Eastern branch of the Vakatakas had capitals such as:
  • Nandivardhan - A major administrative and cultural center during their rule.
  • Pravarpur - Named after Pravarsena I, an important ruler of the dynasty.
  • Padmapur - Another significant capital of the Eastern branch.
• Elichpur, however, was the capital of the Western branch of the Vakatakas, not the Eastern branch.
• This distinction is crucial to identifying the correct answer.

Additional Information

• Vakataka Dynasty
  • The Vakatakas were an important Indian dynasty that ruled parts of central and southern India during the 3rd to 5th centuries CE.
  • They are known to have been contemporaries of the Guptas and had matrimonial alliances with them.
• Eastern and Western branches
  • The Vakataka dynasty was divided into two branches:
    • The Eastern branch, which ruled from capitals like Nandivardhan and Pravarpur.
    • The Western branch, which ruled from Elichpur.
  • This division occurred due to territorial and administrative reasons.
• Key Rulers
  • Pravarsena I – A prominent ruler who expanded the Vakataka empire and established Pravarpur as a capital.
  • Rudrasena II – A ruler of the Western branch who maintained Elichpur as the capital.

The correct answer is - Pravarsen I

Key Points

• Pravarsen I was the only king of the Vakataka dynasty to take the title of ‘Samrat’.
• The title ‘Samrat’ indicates a ruler who had achieved sovereignty over other kings, reflecting his supreme authority and political dominance.
• Pravarsen I expanded the Vakataka empire significantly, consolidating his power and establishing himself as a paramount ruler in the Indian subcontinent.
• He was a patron of Vedic culture and performed the prestigious Ashvamedha Yagna, a ritual that symbolized his legitimacy and supreme authority as an emperor.
• The Vakataka dynasty flourished under his reign, marking a period of prosperity and territorial expansion.

Additional Information

• The Vakataka Dynasty:
  • The Vakatakas were a prominent dynasty in ancient India, ruling parts of central and southern India from the 3rd to the 5th centuries CE.
  • They were contemporaries of the Gupta Empire and had close political and matrimonial alliances with the Guptas.
• Other Prominent Kings of the Vakataka Dynasty:
  • Vindhyashakti: The founder of the Vakataka dynasty, who laid the foundation for the dynasty's rise to power.
  • Rudrasen I: Played a significant role in consolidating the early Vakataka kingdom.
  • Pruthvishen I: Contributed to the stability of the kingdom but did not achieve the same level of prominence as Pravarsen I.
• Significance of the Ashvamedha Yagna:
  • This ancient Vedic ritual was performed by kings to assert their sovereignty and authority over neighboring territories.
  • The performance of this ritual by Pravarsen I highlights his ambition and status as a powerful ruler.

The correct answer is - Divakarasena

Key Points

• Vakataka Queen Prabhavati Gupta
  • She was a prominent queen of the Vakataka dynasty and played a crucial role in administering the kingdom.
  • Prabhavati Gupta was the daughter of the famous Gupta emperor Chandragupta II, also known as Chandragupta Vikramaditya.
  • After the death of her husband, Rudrasena II, she took charge of the Vakataka kingdom as a regent for her minor sons.
• Divakarasena
  • Divakarasena, her eldest son, was still a minor when Prabhavati Gupta assumed control of the administration.
  • As a regent, she ensured the stability and growth of the kingdom during his early years.
• Importance of her Regency
  • Her regency is noted for the influence of Gupta culture and policies on the Vakataka administration.
  • She issued several important inscriptions and grants during her time as the regent, reflecting her effective governance.

Additional Information

• Vakataka Dynasty
  • The Vakataka dynasty ruled over parts of central and southern India during the 3rd to 5th centuries CE.
  • They were contemporaries of the Gupta Empire and had matrimonial alliances with them.
  • Their rule is marked by significant cultural and political achievements, including patronage of art and literature.
• Role of Women in Ancient Indian Administration
  • Prabhavati Gupta is a notable example of a woman ruler who exercised significant political power in ancient India.
  • Other examples of women in administration include Rudramadevi and Ahilyabai Holkar.
  • Such instances demonstrate the capability and influence of women in governance, even in patriarchal societies.
• Gupta-Vakataka Relations
  • The marriage alliance between the Gupta and Vakataka dynasties strengthened their political and cultural ties.
  • The Gupta influence on the Vakatakas is evident in their administrative and cultural policies.
  • This alliance contributed to the stability and prosperity of the Vakataka kingdom under Prabhavati Gupta's regency.

The correct answer is - Vakataka

Key Points

• Rajatrangini
  • The Rajatrangini, written by Kalhana, is a historical chronicle of the rulers of Kashmir.
  • It primarily focuses on the history of Kashmir's dynasties, including the Karkotaka, Maurya, and Kushana dynasties.
• Vakataka Dynasty
  • The Vakataka dynasty was a powerful dynasty in central and southern India during ancient times.
  • However, it is not related to the history of Kashmir, and therefore, it is not mentioned in the Rajatrangini.
• Other Dynasties in Rajatrangini
  • The Karkotaka dynasty is detailed extensively as it played a major role in Kashmir's history.
  • References to the Maurya dynasty and Kushana dynasty appear in the text in relation to their influence on Kashmir.

Additional Information

• Rajatrangini's Historical Context
  • Written in the 12th century CE by Kalhana, the Rajatrangini is considered a seminal work in Indian historiography.
  • It is written in Sanskrit and provides detailed accounts of the rulers of Kashmir up to Kalhana's time.
  • The text is divided into eight books, known as "Tarangas," each focusing on different periods of Kashmir's history.
• Vakataka Dynasty Overview
  • The Vakataka dynasty ruled parts of central and southern India between the 3rd and 5th centuries CE.
  • They are known for their contributions to art, architecture (e.g., the Ajanta Caves), and their association with the Gupta Empire through matrimonial alliances.
  • Since they had no significant role in Kashmir's history, they are not mentioned in the Rajatrangini.
• Dynasties Mentioned in Rajatrangini
  • Karkotaka dynasty: Known for their significant contributions to Kashmir's culture and politics.
  • Maurya dynasty: Briefly mentioned in the text as a historical reference to their earlier influence.
  • Kushana dynasty: Referenced for their impact on trade and culture in the region.

The correct answer is - Vakatakas

Key Points

• Vakatakas are not mentioned in the Arya Manjushrimulakalpa, an important Buddhist text that preserves ancient Indian historical records.
• The Arya Manjushrimulakalpa primarily references dynasties significant to Buddhist history, such as the Guptas, Maitrakas, and Pushyabhutis, but excludes the Vakatakas.
• The Guptas were extensively recognized in Buddhist and historical texts due to their role in promoting Buddhism and creating an era of cultural flourishing.
• The Maitrakas and Pushyabhutis are similarly noted for their contributions to Indian history and religion.
• The Vakatakas, despite their significance in Indian history, were more closely associated with the Deccan region and Hindu traditions, which may explain their absence in this Buddhist text.

Additional Information

• Arya Manjushrimulakalpa
  • This ancient Buddhist text contains historical records and descriptions of political powers that influenced Buddhism and Indian culture.
  • It provides details on the reigns of various dynasties and their relationships with Buddhism.
• Guptas
  • The Gupta Empire is often referred to as the "Golden Age" of India due to advancements in art, literature, science, and religion.
  • Emperors like Chandragupta II and Kumaragupta were known for their patronage of Buddhism.
• Maitrakas
  • They ruled parts of western India and were known for their cultural contributions and support for Buddhism.
  • Their capital was located at Vallabhi, a center of Buddhist learning.
• Pushyabhutis
  • This dynasty, including rulers like Harshavardhana, played a key role in promoting Buddhism and Hinduism during their reign.
  • Harsha's court was known for its religious tolerance and patronage of Buddhist scholars.
• Vakatakas
  • They were a prominent dynasty in the Deccan region, known for their association with the Ajanta caves and Hindu traditions.
  • Their absence in the Arya Manjushrimulakalpa underscores their limited direct influence on Buddhist history as recorded in this text.

The correct answer is - Elichpur

Key Points

• Elichpur was never the capital of the Eastern branch of the Vakatakas.
• The Eastern branch of the Vakatakas had capitals such as:
  • Nandivardhan - A major administrative and cultural center during their rule.
  • Pravarpur - Named after Pravarsena I, an important ruler of the dynasty.
  • Padmapur - Another significant capital of the Eastern branch.
• Elichpur, however, was the capital of the Western branch of the Vakatakas, not the Eastern branch.
• This distinction is crucial to identifying the correct answer.

Additional Information

• Vakataka Dynasty
  • The Vakatakas were an important Indian dynasty that ruled parts of central and southern India during the 3rd to 5th centuries CE.
  • They are known to have been contemporaries of the Guptas and had matrimonial alliances with them.
• Eastern and Western branches
  • The Vakataka dynasty was divided into two branches:
    • The Eastern branch, which ruled from capitals like Nandivardhan and Pravarpur.
    • The Western branch, which ruled from Elichpur.
  • This division occurred due to territorial and administrative reasons.
• Key Rulers
  • Pravarsena I – A prominent ruler who expanded the Vakataka empire and established Pravarpur as a capital.
  • Rudrasena II – A ruler of the Western branch who maintained Elichpur as the capital.

The correct answer is - Vindhyashakti

Key Points

• Vindhyashakti
  • He was the founder of the Vakataka dynasty, which played a significant role in ancient Indian history.
  • The Vakataka dynasty emerged during the mid-3rd century CE and ruled parts of central and southern India.
  • Vindhyashakti is mentioned in inscriptions as the first ruler of this dynasty, laying the foundation for its later expansion and influence.
  • His rule marked the beginning of the Vakataka lineage, which later became known for its contributions to art, culture, and administration.

Additional Information

• Vakataka dynasty
  • The Vakatakas were contemporaries of the Gupta Empire and were known for their significant cultural and political influence in Deccan India.
  • The dynasty's most notable ruler was Pravarasena I, who expanded the kingdom and declared himself a Samrat (Emperor).
  • They are also credited with promoting art and architecture, such as the famous Ajanta Caves, which were patronized by the Vakataka rulers.
• Geographical Extent
  • The Vakataka kingdom covered regions of modern-day Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Andhra Pradesh.
  • It served as a connecting link between northern and southern India, facilitating cultural and political exchanges.
• Legacy
  • The Vakataka dynasty is remembered for its contributions to the spread of Hinduism and its support for Vedic traditions.
  • They played a crucial role in shaping the political and cultural landscape of ancient India during their reign.

The correct answer is - Sthavirachal

Key Points

• Ajanta Cave No. 24
  • The Ajanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Maharashtra, India, and are famous for their stunning Buddhist rock-cut architecture and paintings.
  • Cave No. 24 is particularly significant due to its architectural uniqueness and the inscriptions found on its walls.
• Sthavirachal
  • The name Sthavirachal is mentioned in the inscription of Ajanta Cave No. 24 as a Buddhist monk.
  • He is noted for his association with Buddhist teachings and his contribution to the development of the caves.
  • This makes the name Sthavirachal historically significant in the context of Indian Buddhist heritage.
• Inscriptions
  • The inscriptions in Ajanta Caves provide important historical and religious information about the patrons, monks, and artists involved in their creation.
  • These inscriptions are a valuable source for understanding the spread of Buddhism in India.

Additional Information

• Ajanta Caves
  • The Ajanta Caves consist of 29 rock-cut caves dating back to the 2nd century BCE to 480 CE.
  • They are divided into two phases:
    • The earlier Hinayana phase (2nd century BCE to 1st century CE), primarily characterized by stupa-centered worship.
    • The later Mahayana phase (5th to 6th century CE), which introduced Buddha images and elaborate paintings.
• Significance of Inscribed Names
  • Names like Sthavirachal help historians identify key individuals who played a role in the propagation of Buddhism.
  • They also provide insights into the social, religious, and cultural context of the time.
• Architectural Features
  • Ajanta Cave No. 24 is known for its unfinished state, showcasing the techniques used by ancient artisans.
  • It features a large pillared hall, indicative of the grandeur planned for this cave.

The correct answer is - Hamalapuri

Key Points

• Hamalapuri is not associated with the temple sites of the Vakatakas.
  • The Vakatakas were a prominent dynasty in ancient India, known for their patronage of art, architecture, and religion.
  • Notable temple sites associated with the Vakatakas include Mandhal, Ramtek, and Nagara.
  • Hamalapuri, however, does not appear in records as a Vakataka temple site, distinguishing it from the other options.

Additional Information

• Vakataka Dynasty
  • The Vakatakas ruled in central and southern India between the 3rd and 5th centuries CE.
  • They were successors of the Satavahanas and are known for their contributions to Indian art and culture, including cave temples and sculptures.
  • Their realm included parts of present-day Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.
• Famous Temple Sites
  • Mandhal: Known for its ancient temples and inscriptions linked to the Vakatakas.
  • Ramtek: Associated with religious and architectural achievements during the Vakataka period.
  • Nagara: Another significant site reflecting the Vakataka dynasty's contributions to temple architecture.
• Art and Culture
  • The Vakatakas were patrons of the Ajanta Caves, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
  • These caves feature intricate murals and sculptures, showcasing the artistic excellence of the period.

Correct Answer: Nyaya

Key Points

• The Gupta-Vakataka age, which is often seen as a golden age of Indian civilization, saw significant advancements in various fields including arts, sciences, and philosophy. Among the key developments in Indian philosophy during this time was the flourishing of the Nyaya school of philosophy.
• Nyaya Philosophy:
  • Founder: The Nyaya school was founded by the sage Gautama, also known as Aksapada. It is essential to note that this Gautama is different from Gautama Buddha.
  • Focus: Nyaya philosophy is primarily concerned with logic, epistemology, and the methodology of reasoning. It is often referred to as tarkashastra (the science of reasoning), pramanashastra (the science of logic and epistemology), hetuvidya (the science of causes), vadavidya (the science of debate), and anviksiki (the science of critical study).
  • Categories of Knowledge: Nyaya identifies 16 categories of knowledge with pramana (means of valid knowledge) being a key category. It recognizes four independent pramanas: perception, inference, comparison, and verbal testimony.
  • Validity in Knowledge: The Nyaya system emphasizes valid knowledge (prama) versus invalid knowledge (aprama), stressing the importance of correct reasoning and evidence.
• During the Gupta-Vakataka age, the Nyaya school further developed its theories related to logic, argumentation, and epistemology. These philosophical advancements were significant in shaping Indian intellectual traditions and influenced other philosophical systems and schools of thought.

The correct answer is: 'Kumaragupta I'.

Key Points

• Kumaragupta I, also known as Mahendraditya, was a prominent Gupta emperor who ruled from approximately 415 to 455 CE.
  • He is known for maintaining the vast empire established by his predecessors, Chandragupta I and Samudragupta.
  • Kumaragupta I issued silver coins bearing the image of a peacock, which was a departure from the traditional Garuda emblem used by earlier Gupta rulers.
  • The peacock is a symbol of beauty and grace, and its image on coins could signify prosperity and cultural advancement during his reign.

Additional Information

• Purugupta:
  • Purugupta was a less prominent ruler of the Gupta dynasty with relatively limited historical records.
• Samudragupta:
  • Samudragupta, known as the "Napoleon of India," was a great military conqueror and an accomplished ruler of the Gupta dynasty.
  • His coins typically featured the Garuda emblem, symbolizing his association with the deity Vishnu.
• Skandagupta:
  • Skandagupta was another significant Gupta ruler, known for defending the empire against the Huns.
  • His coins predominantly featured the Garuda emblem, continuing the tradition of his predecessors.