Q & A — 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th

Important Questions and Answers

Question 1. Who were the Guptas? Why is the Gupta period called the ‘Classical Age’ of India?

Answer: The Guptas were a dynasty that remained powerful over large parts of India from about the 3rd to the 6th century CE.

During this period, significant progress was made in fields such as art, architecture, literature, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and metallurgy. Therefore, some historians call it the ‘Classical Age’ of India.

Question 2. What was the capital of the Gupta Empire and how extensive was it?

Answer: The capital of the Gupta Empire was Pataliputra, which was located near present-day Patna. At its height, the Gupta Empire included most of present-day northern and western India and parts of central and eastern India.

Question 3. What was the contribution of Chandragupta I to the development of the Gupta Empire?

Answer: Chandragupta I played an important role in the early expansion of the Gupta Empire. He issued coins and strengthened his power through strategic matrimonial alliances. This helped in laying the foundation of a strong empire.

Question 4. Who was Chandragupta II? By what other name was he known?

Answer: Chandragupta II was a famous ruler of the Gupta dynasty. He was also known by the name ‘Vikramaditya’.

Question 5. How is the Iron Pillar of Delhi an example of the achievement of the Gupta period?

Answer: The Iron Pillar of Delhi was built during the reign of Chandragupta II and was dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is about 1,600 years old and has developed very little rust despite remaining exposed to the open environment for such a long time. It is evidence of the advanced metallurgy (धातुकर्म) of ancient India.

Question 6. Why is Samudragupta called a ‘Warrior King’?

Answer: Samudragupta fought many battles and defeated several kings, expanding his empire. The Prayaga Prashasti describes his victories and his ambition to unite the land.

Question 7. How was Samudragupta not only a warrior but also a lover of art?

Answer: Samudragupta encouraged art, education, and trade. One of the coins issued by him shows him playing the veena. This shows that he was also interested in music and art.

Question 8. What is the Prayaga Prashasti? What is its importance?

Answer: The Prayaga Prashasti is an important inscription written on a pillar located at Prayagraj. It was composed by Harishena, a court poet of the Gupta ruler. It describes the victories, achievements, and rule of Samudragupta.

Question 9. What were the main features of Gupta administration?

Answer: The Gupta Empire had a well-organised system of administration. Instead of controlling the entire empire only through a central authority, it was divided into different regions. Local rulers, priests, and chiefs were given grants of land. Details of these land grants were recorded on copper plates. This helped in organising tax collection and administration.

Question 10. What were the main sources of income of the Gupta Empire?

Answer: The most important source of income of the Guptas was land tax. Other sources of income included:

Fines.
Taxes from mines.
Irrigation tax.
Taxes from trade.
Taxes from crafts and handicrafts.

Question 11. Why was trade important during the Gupta period?

Answer: Trade strengthened the economy of the empire. India traded with the Mediterranean region, Southeast Asia, and China. Textiles, spices, ivory, and precious stones were exported from India. The trade routes of the Indian Ocean connected India with distant markets.

Question 12. Who was Faxian and what did he tell us about Gupta-period society?

Answer: Faxian was a Chinese traveller who came to India in the early 5th century CE. He came to visit Buddhist religious sites, learn from Indian scholars, and obtain copies of Buddhist texts. He wrote about Indian culture, administration, and society in his travel account.

He stated that many cities were prosperous, merchants were wealthy, and poor people, orphans, and sick people were helped. However, he also described the harsh treatment of the Chandalas.

Question 13. Who was Prabhavati Gupta?

Answer: Prabhavati Gupta was the daughter of Chandragupta II. She was married to a Vakataka prince of the Deccan. After her husband's death, she ruled as a regent (a person who governs temporarily in the absence or incapacity of a ruler) because her sons were young.

Question 14. Why is the Gupta period considered an important age of knowledge and science?

Answer: The Gupta period experienced long periods of peace and stability. This provided a favourable environment for scholars, artists, and scientists to work. During this period, important progress was made in mathematics, astronomy, medicine, literature, and metallurgy.

Question 15. What were the major achievements of Aryabhata?

Answer: Aryabhata lived in Kusumapura around 500 CE. He wrote a famous work called Aryabhatiya. His major achievements were:

Giving mathematical formulas for the movements of the Sun, Moon, and planets.
Explaining that the Earth rotates on its axis.
Explaining the occurrence of day and night.
Making a very accurate estimate of the length of the year.
Estimating the size of the Earth.
Correctly explaining solar and lunar eclipses.
Developing techniques for calculations and solving mathematical equations.

Question 16. Who was Varahamihira? What was his major contribution?

Answer: Varahamihira was a famous mathematician, astronomer, and astrologer of the Gupta period. He lived in Ujjayini. His famous work, Brihat Samhita, contains information on astronomy, astrology, weather, architecture, town planning, agriculture, and many other subjects.

Question 17. What was Kalidasa's contribution to Indian literature?

Answer: Kalidasa was a great Sanskrit poet and writer. His works contain beautiful descriptions of nature and human emotions. His famous work Meghadutam describes a Yaksha sending a message to his beloved through a cloud. It contains beautiful descriptions of the natural scenery and weather of northern India.

Question 18. What were the main features of Gupta-period art?

Answer: Art and craftsmanship developed greatly during the Gupta period. Sarnath became famous for its beautiful Buddha sculptures. Beautiful paintings and sculptures were created in the Ajanta Caves. At Udayagiri, detailed sculptures of gods and goddesses were carved out of rocks. Gupta art established high standards of beauty and artistic excellence.

Question 19. Why did the Gupta Empire decline?

Answer: By the 6th century CE, the Gupta Empire began to weaken. The major reasons were:

Repeated invasions by the Hunas coming from Central Asia.
The weakening of Gupta control over northern India because of these invasions.
The rise of powerful regional rulers.
Internal conflicts and political weakness.

Question 20. Which powerful dynasty emerged in South India during the Gupta period?

Answer: The Pallavas emerged as a powerful dynasty in South India. They established their power in parts of present-day Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. Their capital was Kanchipuram, which is known as the ‘City of a Thousand Temples’. The Pallavas were great patrons of art, architecture, and education.

Question 21. Where was the kingdom of Kamarupa located and what was its importance?

Answer: The kingdom of Kamarupa was mainly spread across the Brahmaputra Valley, covering present-day Assam and surrounding areas. It was an important political and cultural centre. Temples and monasteries developed here as centres of education.

Question 22. What was the greatest legacy of the Gupta period?

Answer: The greatest legacy of the Gupta period was the progress made in art, literature, science, mathematics, medicine, and metallurgy. The works of great scholars such as Aryabhata, Varahamihira, and Kalidasa remain important even today. Gupta-period temples, sculptures, and artworks such as those at Ajanta reflect the rich cultural traditions of India.

Think about it, Let’s Explore and Don’t Miss Out

Question 1. How old is the Iron Pillar of Delhi and what is its most important feature?

Answer: The Iron Pillar of Delhi is about 1,600 years old. Despite remaining exposed to the open environment for such a long time, it has developed very little rust. It is evidence of the advanced metallurgy (Metallurgy—science of metals) of ancient India.

Question 2. What is considered to be the reason for the low rusting of the Iron Pillar of Delhi?

Answer: According to scientists, a thin protective layer formed on the surface of the pillar because of the special type of iron and the oxygen present in the air. This layer protects the iron from further rusting.

Question 3. How did Chandragupta I help strengthen the Gupta Empire?

Answer: Chandragupta I expanded his kingdom. He issued coins and established strategic matrimonial alliances. These measures strengthened his power and helped strengthen the foundation of the Gupta Empire.

Question 4. Why is ‘II’ added to the name of Chandragupta II?

Answer: It is because there was another Chandragupta before him, who was his grandfather. Historians added ‘II’ to the name of the later Chandragupta to distinguish between the two rulers.

Question 5. What was the Ashvamedha Yajna and why did rulers perform it?

Answer: The Ashvamedha Yajna was an important royal ritual. Ambitious kings performed it to demonstrate their power and their aim of establishing a large empire. Special coins were also issued to commemorate this important event.

Question 6. What important information is given about the development of Ayurveda during the Gupta period?

Answer: During the Gupta period, the earlier knowledge of Ayurveda was organised and given a more systematic form. Texts such as the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita were compiled and organised. They included information about identifying diseases, treatment, food, medicines, and surgery.

Question 7. Why might kings have had their works and achievements recorded in inscriptions?

Answer: Kings wanted to communicate their victories, achievements, and power to the people. Inscriptions also helped preserve their achievements for a long time. For example, the Prayaga Prashasti describes the victories and achievements of Samudragupta.

Question 8. Why should we not depend only on Faxian’s account when understanding history?

Answer: Faxian observed only a part of society and a particular period from his own point of view. He gave information about prosperous cities and people, but he also described the harsh treatment of the Chandalas. Therefore, historians should examine different sources, viewpoints, and interpretations before reaching a conclusion.

Question 9. What different sources can be used to understand history?

Answer: Several types of sources are used to understand history in this chapter, such as:

Inscriptions — They provide information about the achievements and administration of kings.
Coins — They tell us about rulers, religious symbols, and their achievements.
Literary texts — They provide information about kings, society, and culture.
Travel accounts — They provide information about society and life as observed by foreign travellers.
Archaeological remains — Temples, sculptures, caves, and other historical sites provide valuable information.

Question 10. What do we learn by studying the map of the Gupta Empire?

Answer: The map tells us about the extent of the Gupta Empire and the kingdoms surrounding it. It also shows that other states such as the Vakatakas, Pallavas, and Kamarupa existed alongside the Guptas during that period.

Question 11. What features of Gupta-period society are revealed by Faxian’s travel account?

Answer: According to Faxian:

People were numerous and prosperous.
Many cities were wealthy.
Merchants and Vaishya families were rich.
Poor people, orphans, and sick people were helped.
Food and medicines were provided to people in need.
The streets of cities were kept well organised.
Foreign merchants were also present in the cities.

However, his account did not provide a complete picture of all sections of society. Therefore, it is necessary to study other sources as well.

Question 13. What can you learn by meeting Aryabhata and Varahamihira?

Answer: From Aryabhata, we can learn about mathematics and astronomy. We could ask him questions about the rotation of the Earth, the movement of planets, and the scientific explanation of eclipses.

From Varahamihira, we could ask questions about astronomy, weather, architecture, town planning, and agriculture.

Question 14. What information can we obtain about the Gupta period by looking at Gupta-period sculptures?

Answer: By observing the clothing, postures, ornaments, symbols, and deities represented in the sculptures, we can learn about the religious beliefs, art, and craftsmanship of that period.

Question 15. How can visiting a historical site from the Gupta period help us understand history?

Answer: By directly observing a historical site, museum, or heritage building, we can better understand its architecture, sculptures, artworks, and other remains. This makes it easier to connect the historical information studied in books with real historical objects.

Questions and Activities (NCERT Based Questions)

Question 1. Imagine you receive a letter from someone living in the Gupta Empire. The letter starts like this: "Greetings from Pāțaliputra! Life here is vibrant and full of excitement. Just yesterday, I witnessed..." Complete the letter with a short paragraph (250-300 words) describing life in the Gupta Empire.

Answer: Greetings from Pāțaliputra! Life here is happy and full of excitement. Just yesterday I saw that our city markets were very busy. Merchants come here from far and wide and trade in various goods. India also has trade relations with other countries. Goods such as textiles, spices, ivory, and precious stones are sent to other regions.

Our empire has a well-organised system of administration. The empire is divided into different regions, and local rulers are also given certain powers. Land tax is the main source of state income. This money is used for administration, the army, temples, buildings, and supporting scholars and artists.

Education and knowledge are also given great importance here. Scholars are working in the fields of mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and literature. Aryabhata has given important ideas about the movement of the Earth and planets. Varahamihira has studied subjects such as astronomy and weather. Kalidasa is a great Sanskrit poet.

Art and architecture are also highly developed. Beautiful sculptures, temples, and caves are being built. Caves such as Ajanta and Udayagiri are famous for their art.

Because of peace and stability in our time, trade, education, science, literature, and art are all developing. Therefore, I am very proud of my time.

Question 2. Which Gupta ruler was also known as the ‘Vikramaditya’?

Answer: The Gupta ruler Chandragupta II was also known by the name ‘Vikramaditya’. He was a famous ruler of the Gupta dynasty.

Question 3. "Periods of peace support the development of various aspects of sociocultural life, literature, and the development of science and technology.' Examine this statement in the light of the Gupta empire.

Answer: This statement is correct in the context of the Gupta Empire. There was peace and stability for a long period during the Gupta period. This gave people opportunities to work in the fields of education, art, literature, and science.

During this period, Sanskrit literature developed and great poets such as Kalidasa flourished. Aryabhata made important contributions to mathematics and astronomy, while Varahamihira worked on subjects such as astronomy, weather, architecture, and agriculture. There was also progress in medicine and metallurgy.

Because of the peaceful environment and strong economy, rulers were able to support scholars, artists, and scientists. This is why the Gupta period is also considered the ‘Classical Age’ of India.

Question 4. Recreate a scene from a Gupta ruler's court. Write a short script, assign roles like the king, ministers, and scholars, and enact a role play to bring the Gupta era to life!

Answer: A short dramatic scene for this activity can be presented as follows:

King: Minister, how is the situation in our kingdom?

Minister: Your Majesty, there is peace in the kingdom. Trade is going well and revenue is also being collected.

King: Very good. Scholars and artists should also receive sufficient support.

Scholar: Your Majesty, we are working on new knowledge in mathematics, astronomy, and literature.

King: Knowledge and education are the strength of the kingdom. All of you should continue your work.

Minister: Your Majesty, attention is also being given to temples, roads, and other necessary construction works.

King: Excellent! Our aim is to build a prosperous and knowledgeable kingdom.

Scholar: Your Majesty, with your support, art, literature, and science are developing.

King: This will be the greatest achievement of our kingdom.

Question 5. Match the two columns:—

Answer:

A	B
(1) Kanchipuram	(d) Known as 'a city of a thousand temples’
(2) Ujjayini	(e) A prominent centre of learning in ancient India
(3) Udayagiri	(b) Famous for rock-cut caves featuring intricate carvings of Hindu deities, especially Vishnu.
(4) Ajanta	(a) Known for vibrant cave paintings that depict the Jataka tales.
(5) Pataliputra	(c) Capital of the Guptas

Question 6. Who were the Pallavas and where did they rule?

Answer: The Pallavas were a powerful dynasty of South India. They ruled mainly in present-day Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, and parts of Andhra Pradesh. Their capital was Kanchipuram. The Pallavas were great patrons of art, architecture, and education.

Question 7. Organise an exploration trip with your teachers to a nearby historical site, museum, or heritage building. After the trip, write a detailed report describing your experience. Include key observations about the site's historical significance, the architecture, artefacts, and any interesting facts you learned during the visit. Reflect on how the trip enhanced your understanding of history.

Answer: For example:

Report on a Visit to a Historical Site

We visited a historical site with our teachers. The purpose of this visit was to understand history not only through books but also through actual historical remains.

During the visit, we carefully observed the old buildings, sculptures, artefacts, and architecture there. We were told that these remains provide important information about the lives, art, culture, and technical knowledge of people of that time.

We understood the special features of the architecture and learnt how skilfully stone, metal, and other materials were used in ancient times. The objects kept in the museum or historical site also helped us understand the lifestyle and creativity of the people of that period.

The most important experience of the visit was that we got an opportunity to connect the historical facts we had read in books with real objects and monuments. This made history more interesting and easier for us to understand.

The visit helped us understand that historical sites are not merely old buildings. They are important parts of our heritage that preserve our past, culture, art, and knowledge.

Class 7 new ncert Chapter 7 SST Solution - The Gupta Era: An Age of Tireless Creativity