Changing Times
Q.1 (A) Choose the correct alternative and nwrite the complete sentences.
(1) The history of Indo-Greeks is known through their _____ .
(a) literature (b) inscription
(c) coins (d) pottery
Answer: (c) coins
(2) Gupta dynasty was founded by ______ .
(a) Sri Gupta (b) Ghatotkach
(c) Samudragupta (d) Ramgupta
Answer: (a) Sri Gupta
(3) After accession by defeating the Shakas, ______ took up the tile of ‘Vikramaditya’.
(a) Chandragupta II
(b) Ramgupta (c) Chandragupta I
(d) Kumaragupta
Answer: (a) Chandragupta II
(B) Find the incorrect pair from set B and write the correct ones.
| Set ‘A’ | Set ‘B’ |
| (1) Kshaum | Linen clot |
| (2) Pushpapatta | Cotton cloth |
| (4) Amshuka | Muslin cloth |
Answer: (2) Pushpapatta – Floral designs
Q.2 Explain the following statements with reasons.
(1) During the Gupta period the power was concentrated in the hands of local landlords.
Answer: Reason: The Gupta kings introduced a feudal economic system where land was granted to local farmers, religious institutions, and civil/military officers instead of salaries. These lands, known as ‘Agraharas,’ were tax-free, leading to a decrease in royal revenue. As a result, the economic power shifted to local landlords who controlled these lands, reducing the central authority of the king and concentrating power in their hands.
(2) Every tide of Huna invasion made the Gupta rule weaker.
Answer: Reason: The Huna invasions began during the reign of Kumaragupta, who managed to resist them. However, the subsequent Gupta kings were less capable of defending the empire against these repeated invasions. The continuous pressure from the Hunas drained the empire’s resources and weakened its political and military strength, ultimately leading to the disintegration of the Gupta empire into smaller kingdoms.
Q.3 State your opinion.
Samudragupta performed Asvamedha sacrifice after Digvijaya.
Answer: In my opinion, Samudragupta’s performance of the Asvamedha sacrifice after his extensive military conquests (Digvijaya) was a strategic and symbolic act. The Asvamedha was a Vedic ritual that signified a king’s supreme sovereignty and unchallenged authority over a vast territory. By performing this sacrifice, Samudragupta proclaimed himself as a ‘Chakravarti’ (universal) king, reinforcing his dominance over the northern and southern regions he conquered. It also served to legitimize his rule, gain the allegiance of feudatory kings, and enhance his prestige among his subjects and neighboring rulers, including those in Sri Lanka and the Shaka and Kushana territories.
Q.4 Write Short notes.
(1) Gupta Sculpture
Answer: The Gupta period is regarded as the Classical Age of Indian art, particularly in sculpture. Human figures gained prominence, with sculptures of deities and kings crafted in stone, metal, and terracotta. The art was characterized by realistic and beautiful portrayals, as seen in the sculptures at Sarnath, Devgadh, and Ajanta. The Mathura style, a key feature of Gupta sculpture, emphasized portrait sculpture, with notable examples like the statues of Kushana kings Vima Takshama and Kanishka. Images of Hindu deities such as Vishnu, Shiva, Surya, Saraswati, and Kartikeya were created, reflecting innovation and societal values. The Gandhara and Varanasi styles also flourished, blending Indian themes with Greek influences.
(2) Indo-Roman Trade
Answer: The Indo-Roman trade flourished during the 1st century C.E., as documented in the Periplus of Erythrean Sea. Indian ports like Sopara and Kalyan in Maharashtra were key trade centers, exporting textiles, black pepper, precious stones, ivory, and animals like monkeys and peacocks to Rome via the Red Sea. In return, India imported coral, wine, olive oil, and metals like lead, copper, and silver, often paid for in gold coins. Archaeological evidence, such as Roman pottery (amphorae) and coin replicas found at sites like Ter, Nevasa, Bhokardan, Kondapur, and Sannati, highlights the scale of this trade. This trade boosted prosperity, urban growth, and the establishment of Buddhist centers in South India, such as Amaravati and Nagarjunikonda.
Q.5 Answer the following question with the help of given points.
How did the standardization in various sections during the Gupta period take place?
a. Division of Gupta Administration
Answer: The Gupta administration was highly organized and decentralized, promoting standardization. The king was the central authority, assisted by princes, ministers (Amatya), and advisors. Provinces were divided into smaller units called ‘Vishaya,’ each managed by a ‘Vishayapati.’ Provincial officers like ‘Kumaramatya’ and district officials called ‘Ayuktak’ ensured efficient governance. Princes often served as viceroys to oversee provincial administration. This structured hierarchy allowed for consistent administrative practices across the empire, with local decision-making enhancing flexibility while maintaining central oversight.
b. Changes in Economic Structure: Economy of Agriculture
Answer: The Gupta period saw significant changes in the agricultural economy, contributing to standardization. The kings prioritized granting land to local farmers for cultivation, reducing reliance on centralized control. Land donations, known as ‘Agraharas,’ were made for religious and educational purposes and were tax-exempt. Civil and military officers received land grants instead of salaries, laying the foundation for a feudal system. This standardized land-based revenue system shifted economic power to local landlords, reducing royal revenue but ensuring agricultural productivity and stability across regions.
c. Development of Gupta Coinage
Answer: Gupta coinage was a hallmark of standardization and economic prosperity. The gold coins issued during this period were renowned for their craftsmanship, featuring realistic portraits of kings and deities. These coins, often inscribed with titles like ‘Maharajadhiraj’ or ‘Sarvarajochchheta,’ reflected the king’s authority and standardized trade practices. The influence of Greek and Roman coin designs is evident, but the Guptas introduced Indian elements, such as images of deities like Shiva. The widespread use of these coins facilitated trade, both within India and in Indo-Roman commerce, ensuring a uniform medium of exchange that boosted economic integration.
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