{"id":2973,"date":"2026-04-09T10:03:58","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T04:33:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/?p=2973"},"modified":"2026-04-11T12:24:27","modified_gmt":"2026-04-11T06:54:27","slug":"gupta-empire","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/gupta-empire\/","title":{"rendered":"Gupta Empire, History, Timeline, Rulers, Map, Economy, Religion"},"content":{"rendered":"

The\u00a0Gupta Empire<\/strong>, from the 4th to the 6th century CE, marked a classical age in North India, renowned for its extensive territory and cultural zenith. Originating from the fertile regions of\u00a0Eastern U.P. and Bihar,<\/strong>\u00a0the Guptas leveraged local iron ore to build their empire. The Gupta Empire originated from the kingdom established by\u00a0Sri Gupta<\/strong>, a skilled leader and strategist. Celebrated for their patronage of the arts, architecture, and literature, their era is often hailed as a\u00a0\u2018Golden Age\u2019,<\/strong>\u00a0witnessing profound advancements in various fields and leaving an indelible legacy on Indian history.<\/p>\r\n

Gupta Empire\u00a0Important Rulers<\/h2>\r\n

Capable rulers of the Gupta dynasty left a notable impact on the history and influence of the Indian subcontinent. Key Gupta rulers were:<\/p>\r\n

\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Ruler Name<\/strong><\/td>\r\nKey Points<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Chandragupta I (320 \u2013 335 CE)<\/strong><\/td>\r\n\r\n

- The Gupta Empire began with his accession in 319-320 CE.<\/p>\r\n

- To strengthen his authority, he entered into a\u00a0matrimonial alliance\u00a0<\/strong>with the\u00a0Lichchhavis of Nepal.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

- By 321 AD, he expanded his kingdom from the Ganges River to Prayag through conquest.<\/p>\r\n

- His kingdom included Bengal, parts of present-day Bihar, with\u00a0Pataliputra<\/strong>\u00a0as its capital, and Uttar Pradesh.<\/p>\r\n

- He struck\u00a0coins bearing his and his queen's names.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n

Samudragupta (c. 335\/336 \u2013 375 CE)<\/strong><\/td>\r\n\r\n

- He followed a policy of warfare and conquest.<\/p>\r\n

-\u00a0The Allahabad Pillar Inscription (<\/strong>Prayaga-Prashasti), written in pristine Sanskrit by his court poet\u00a0Harisena,<\/strong>\u00a0provides a detailed account of his accomplishments.<\/p>\r\n

- The inscription is carved on the same pillar that bears the edicts of the\u00a0Ashoka.<\/p>\r\n

- His rule extended over a significant portion of the Indian subcontinent, directly or indirectly, encompassing empires in Punjab and Nepal to the\u00a0Pallava kingdom\u00a0in Kanchipuram.<\/p>\r\n

- He minted coins depicting the mythological theme of the Asvamedha (horse sacrifice), symbolizing his role as a restorer.<\/p>\r\n

- Title\u00a0Kaviraja,<\/strong>\u00a0meaning \"king among poets.\"- due to his skill in poetry<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n

Chandragupta II (c. 376 \u2013 413\/415 CE)<\/strong><\/td>\r\n\r\n

- Through his daughter's (Prabhavati<\/strong>) marriage to\u00a0Rudrasena II<\/strong>, a prince from the Vakataka dynasty in the Deccan, he indirectly\u00a0ruled over the Vakataka kingdom.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

- He successfully seized control of the western Malwa and Gujarat regions from Shakas.<\/p>\r\n

- An inscription on the\u00a0iron pillar at Mehrauli (Delhi)\u00a0<\/strong>indicated that his kingdom encompassed northwestern regions of India and Bengal.<\/p>\r\n

- He adopted the titles\u00a0Simhavikrama and Vikramaditya,\u00a0<\/strong>symbolising his strength and power.<\/p>\r\n

- Minted\u00a0coins\u00a0<\/strong>made of\u00a0silver, copper, and gold (Dinara),\u00a0<\/strong>with his coins often referred to as\u00a0Chandra.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

- The\u00a0Udaigiri cave inscriptions<\/strong>\u00a0mentioned his Digvijaya, signifying his conquest of the entire world.<\/p>\r\n

- His court had nine renowned intellectuals known as the\u00a0Navratnas\u00a0<\/strong>(nine gems), which included:<\/p>\r\n

    \r\n\t
  • Vetala Bhatta-<\/strong>\u00a0Author of\u00a0\u00a0Mantrashastra<\/strong><\/li>\r\n\t
  • Vararuchi<\/strong>- Author of\u00a0Prakrit Prakasha<\/strong><\/li>\r\n\t
  • Kahapanaka-<\/strong>\u00a0Author of\u00a0Jyotishya Shastra<\/strong><\/li>\r\n\t
  • Shanku<\/strong>- Author of\u00a0Shilpa Shastra<\/strong><\/li>\r\n\t
  • Ghatakarapara<\/strong>- Expert in sculpture and architecture<\/li>\r\n\t
  • Dhanvantri-\u00a0<\/strong>Physician of Ayurveda<\/li>\r\n\t
  • Varahamihira-<\/strong>\u00a0His literary work includes:\u00a0Pancha SiddhantikaBrihadsamhita\u00a0<\/strong>o and\u00a0Brihat Jataka<\/strong><\/li>\r\n\t
  • Amarasimha-<\/strong>\u00a0Author of\u00a0Amarakosha<\/strong><\/li>\r\n\t
  • Kalidasa-\u00a0<\/strong>Author of\u00a0Abhijnashakuntalam, Meghdootam<\/strong>\u00a0and many more.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Kumaragupta \u2160 (c. 415 \u2013 455 CE)<\/strong><\/td>\r\n\r\n

- He assumed the titles of\u00a0'Shakraditya' and 'Mahendraditya'\u00a0<\/strong>as part of his royal designations.<\/p>\r\n

- He performed\u00a0Ashvamedha sacrifices<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n

- Establish\u00a0Nalanda University,<\/strong>\u00a0which gained global recognition as a prestigious educational institution.<\/p>\r\n

- Noteworthy inscriptions from Kumaragupta I's reign include those found in\u00a0Karandanda, Mandsor Bilsad inscription and Damodar Copper Plate inscription.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n

Skandagupta (c. 455 \u2013 467 CE)<\/strong><\/td>\r\n\r\n

- He assumed the title of 'Vikramaditya'\u00a0<\/strong>as part of his royal designation.<\/p>\r\n

- An inscription found in Junagarh\/Girnar during his reign mentions that his governor\u00a0Parnadatta\u00a0<\/strong>undertook the repair of the\u00a0Sudarshan Lake<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n

- Following his death, several successors such as Purugupta, Kumaragupta II, Buddhagupta, Narasimhagupta, Kumaragupta III, and Vishnugupta were unable to protect the Gupta empire from the Huns.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n

Gupta Empire\u00a0Polity and Administration<\/h2>\r\n

The Gupta Empire\u2019s administration was marked by well-organised divisions and a hierarchical structure that ensured effective governance:<\/p>\r\n

King<\/h3>\r\n
    \r\n\t
  • The king was the linchpin of the Gupta administration, assuming titles like\u00a0Paramabhattaraka<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0Paramesvara<\/strong>, reflecting their divine status akin to deities on Earth as per Smriti texts.<\/li>\r\n\t
  • Duties of the monarch included:\r\n\r\n
      \r\n\t
    • Formulating state policies for war and peace.<\/li>\r\n\t
    • Safeguarding the realm and its denizens.<\/li>\r\n\t
    • Leading the military in conflicts.<\/li>\r\n\t
    • Supporting the Brahmanas, Sramanas, and the needy.<\/li>\r\n\t
    • Honouring scholars and religious figures.<\/li>\r\n\t
    • Acting as the chief adjudicator, delivering justice based on sacred laws and traditions.<\/li>\r\n\t
    • Appointing key central and provincial officials.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

      Council of Ministers and Other Officials<\/h3>\r\n
        \r\n\t
      • The\u00a0Mahanandanayaka<\/strong>\u00a0(Chief Justice) supported the king\u2019s judicial authority.<\/li>\r\n\t
      • Provincial judicial responsibilities were managed by\u00a0Uparikas<\/strong>, while\u00a0Vishayapatis<\/strong>\u00a0oversaw district-level matters.<\/li>\r\n\t
      • Village disputes were typically settled by the headman and elders.<\/li>\r\n\t
      • Notably, Fa-Hien, the Chinese traveller, observed the absence of capital punishment.<\/li>\r\n\t
      • The\u00a0Mahapratihara<\/strong>\u00a0(palace guard chief) and Pratihara (ceremonial overseer) were among other significant officials.<\/li>\r\n\t
      • An intelligence network was operational, and\u00a0Dutakas<\/strong>\u00a0were tasked with executing land grants.<\/li>\r\n\t
      • The\u00a0Mahasandhivigrahika<\/strong>\u00a0managed affairs related to war and peace.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

        Army<\/h3>\r\n

        This system ensured a well-maintained and organised military, ready for both defence and expansion when necessary. The military organisation during the Gupta period included:<\/p>\r\n

          \r\n\t
        • King<\/strong>: Led the army during wartime.<\/li>\r\n\t
        • Sandhi-Vigrahika<\/strong>: Minister responsible for peace and war during peacetime.<\/li>\r\n\t
        • Mahabaladhikrita<\/strong>: A high-ranking military official.<\/li>\r\n\t
        • Specialised commanders<\/strong>: Included Pilupati (elephants), Asvapati (horses), and Narapati (infantry).<\/li>\r\n\t
        • Ranabhandagarika<\/strong>: Officer in charge of military supplies and soldiers\u2019 welfare.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

          Revenue Administration<\/h3>\r\n
            \r\n\t
          • Land Revenue and Fines:<\/strong>\r\n
              \r\n\t
            • The primary fiscal resources for the Gupta state were land revenue and fines.<\/li>\r\n\t
            • The\u00a0Akshapataladhikrita<\/strong>\u00a0oversaw account registers, ensuring the collection of royal dues and the prevention of financial misconduct.<\/li>\r\n\t
            • Pustapala<\/strong>\u00a0maintained records and verified transactions.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t
            • Taxes and Duties:<\/strong>\r\n
                \r\n\t
              • Uparikara<\/strong>\u00a0tax was imposed on commodities like textiles and oils during intercity trade.<\/li>\r\n\t
              • Merchants paid a commercial tax known as\u00a0Sulka<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n\t
              • The king could mandate labour (Visthi<\/strong>), collect land tax (Bali<\/strong>), and solicit additional levies.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t
              • Royal income:<\/strong>\r\n
                  \r\n\t
                • The monarch\u2019s revenue streams included profits from royal estates, woodlands, treasure discoveries, mineral extraction, and salt production.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

                  Provinces, Districts and Villages<\/h3>\r\n
                    \r\n\t
                  • The Gupta Empire was organised into territorial divisions known as\u00a0Desas<\/strong>,\u00a0Rashtras<\/strong>, or\u00a0Bhuktis<\/strong>, as recorded in historical inscriptions.<\/li>\r\n\t
                  • Uparikas<\/strong>, appointed by the king, administered the Bhuktis, which were further segmented into districts or\u00a0Vishayas<\/strong>. These districts were managed by officials such as\u00a0Ayuktaka<\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a0Vistiyapati<\/strong>, appointed by the provincial governors.<\/li>\r\n\t
                  • In Bengal, district administration involved an\u00a0Adhikarana<\/strong>\u00a0(office) that included representatives from key local communities like\u00a0Nagarasresthi<\/strong>\u00a0(merchant leader),\u00a0Sarthavaha<\/strong>\u00a0(caravan chief),\u00a0Prathama-Kulika<\/strong>\u00a0(artisan head), and\u00a0Prathama Kayastha<\/strong>\u00a0(scribe community head), with\u00a0Pustapalas<\/strong>\u00a0handling records.<\/li>\r\n\t
                  • Villages were led by a\u00a0Gramapati<\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a0Gramadhyaksha<\/strong>\u00a0(village headman).<\/li>\r\n\t
                  • North Bengal featured administrative units above the village level, termed\u00a0Astakuladhikarana<\/strong>, which incorporated village representatives such as\u00a0Gramikas<\/strong>,\u00a0Kutumbis<\/strong>, and\u00a0Mahattaras<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n\t
                  • Village Life and Occupations:<\/strong><\/li>\r\n\t
                  • Villages were composed of various professional groups including carpenters, weavers, potters, oil pressers, goldsmiths, and farmers, who likely formed local bodies for managing village affairs.<\/li>\r\n\t
                  • Disputes within the village were resolved with the help of\u00a0Grama-buddhas<\/strong>\u00a0or village elders, emphasising a community-based approach to governance.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

                    Religious Developments during the Gupta Empire<\/h2>\r\n

                    The Guptas were a Hindu dynasty known for their devout Hinduism, but they allowed Buddhists and Jainists to practice their religions.<\/p>\r\n

                      \r\n\t
                    • Nalanda University<\/strong>: Founded by\u00a0Kumaragupta I around 455 CE<\/strong>, it became a renowned centre for learning and is associated with the formalisation of the caste system through endogamy during this era.<\/li>\r\n\t
                    • Narasimhagupta Baladitya<\/strong>: Influenced by Mahayana Buddhism, he constructed a\u00a0sangharama\u00a0<\/strong>and a\u00a0300-foot-high vihara in Nalanda<\/strong>\u00a0and was celebrated for his patronage of\u00a0Buddhism.<\/li>\r\n\t
                    • Vajra<\/strong>: As the son of\u00a0Narasimhagupta<\/strong>, he continued the legacy of supporting Buddhism, evidenced by\u00a0Xuanzang\u2019s accounts<\/strong>\u00a0of his devout sponsorship.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

                      Gupta Empire\u00a0Economic & Social Conditions<\/h2>\r\n

                      The Gupta Empire experienced favourable economic and social conditions that fostered cultural and intellectual development.\u00a0Fa-hsien,<\/strong>\u00a0a Chinese traveller, provides insights into the economic life of the Gupta Empire. He mentions that Magadha was filled with cities, and the wealthy people supported it through charitable offerings.<\/p>\r\n

                      Economic Life<\/h3>\r\n
                        \r\n\t
                      • Gupta coinage:<\/strong><\/li>\r\n\t
                      • The Guptas issued the largest number of gold coins known as\u00a0dinars<\/strong>. These coins were regular in size and weight, depicting Gupta kings and showcasing their love for war and art.<\/li>\r\n\t
                      • While not as pure as Kushan coins, Gupta coins servedas a\u00a0means of payment\u00a0<\/strong>for military and administrative officials, as well as for land transactions.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n\t
                      • The Guptas also issued silver coins after their conquest of Gujarat, primarily for local trade, and the\u00a0use of copper coins\u00a0<\/strong>was limited compared to the Kushans.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n\t
                      • Decline in long-distance trade:<\/strong><\/li>\r\n\t
                      • Compared to earlier periods, there was a declinein long-distance trade during the Gupta period.<\/strong>\u00a0India's trade with the Eastern Roman Empire, exporting silk, decreased after the Eastern Romans learned silk cultivation from the Chinese.<\/li>\r\n\t
                      • Demand for Indian silk abroad had already weakened by the mid-fifth century.\u00a0Silk weavers<\/strong>\u00a0from western India migrated to\u00a0Mandasor in Malwa<\/strong>\u00a0and shifted to other professions.<\/li>\r\n\t
                      • Emergence of priestly landlords:<\/strong><\/li>\r\n\t
                      • In eastern and central Madhya Pradesh, a significant development during the Gupta period was the rise of priestly landlords.<\/li>\r\n\t
                      • Land grants made to priests led to the cultivation of new areas but resulted in a\u00a0lower status for local tribal peasants.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n\t
                      • Forced labour (Vishti)<\/strong>\u00a0was imposed on peasants in central and western India.<\/li>\r\n\t
                      • However, agricultural knowledge improved in the tribal regions of central India due to the involvement of Brahmanas, and more land was brought under cultivation.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

                        Social Life<\/h3>\r\n
                          \r\n\t
                        • Brahmana supremacy and Gupta rulers:<\/strong><\/li>\r\n\t
                        • Large-scale land grants to Brahmanas suggest a rise in Brahmana's dominance during the Gupta period.<\/li>\r\n\t
                        • The Guptas, originally believed to be vaishyas,were recognised as\u00a0Kshatriyas\u00a0<\/strong>by the Brahmanas.<\/li>\r\n\t
                        • The Brahmanas portrayed the Gupta kings as god-like figures, legitimising their position and establishing the Guptas as strong supporters of the Brahmanical order.<\/li>\r\n\t
                        • Proliferation of castes:<\/strong><\/li>\r\n\t
                        • The number of castes increased due to the assimilation of foreigners and tribal people. Each group of foreigners was considered a caste, often with Kshatriya status.<\/li>\r\n\t
                        • The Hunas, who arrived in the fifth century, eventually became recognized as one of the Rajput clans.<\/li>\r\n\t
                        • Land grants to tribal chiefs resulted in the formation of new castes<\/strong>, with the ordinary tribal members assigned a lower origin.<\/li>\r\n\t
                        • Improved status of Shudras:<\/strong>\r\n
                            \r\n\t
                          • Shudras experienced some improvements during this period. They were permitted to hear recitations of the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas, which represented the Kshatriya tradition.<\/li>\r\n\t
                          • Shudras could worship Krishna and perform certain domestic rites, which contributed to the economic status of the Shudras. From the seventh century onwards, shudras were mainly associated with agriculture.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t
                          • Increase in untouchables:<\/strong><\/li>\r\n\t
                          • The number of untouchables, particularly the\u00a0chandalas,<\/strong>\u00a0grew during the Gupta period.<\/li>\r\n\t
                          • The chandalas, mentioned by Fa-Hsien, lived outside the village and were\u00a0involved in the meat and flesh trade.\u00a0<\/strong>The chandalas' disabilities became noticeable, and their presence attracted attention.<\/li>\r\n\t
                          • Status of women:<\/strong><\/li>\r\n\t
                          • Women of higher varnas did not have independent sources of livelihood, unlike women of lower varnas.<\/li>\r\n\t
                          • Women from vaishya and Shudra backgrounds engaged in agricultural operations and domestic services, granting them more freedom.<\/li>\r\n\t
                          • In Gupta times,\u00a0members of higher varnas acquired more land, becoming more polygamous and treating women as property.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n\t
                          • Widow immolation<\/strong>\u00a0was first recorded in AD 510, but post-Gupta law books allowed widow remarriage in certain circumstances.<\/li>\r\n\t
                          • Women's property rights:<\/strong><\/li>\r\n\t
                          • The oldest Smritis recognised gifts received by brides during marriage as their property. Gupta and post-Gupta law books expanded the scope of these gifts, known as\u00a0strident.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n\t
                          • Women were allowed to sell and mortgage their immovable property, suggesting they received shares in landed property. However,\u00a0patriarchal communities generally did not allow daughters to inherit landed property.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n\t
                          • Niyoga and widow remarriage:<\/strong><\/li>\r\n\t
                          • Niyoga, the practice of a younger brother or kinsman marrying the widow of the elder brother, was practised in Vedic times but not allowed during Gupta and earlier periods.<\/li>\r\n\t
                          • Widow remarriage<\/strong>\u00a0was also prohibited for higher varnas but permitted among the shudras, who could practice both niyoga and widow remarriage.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

                            Gupta Empire Decline<\/h2>\r\n

                            The mighty Gupta Empire stumbled under the rule of Skandagupta and his successors. There are several reasons which could be attributed to the same:<\/p>\r\n

                              \r\n\t
                            • Huna Invasions<\/strong>: The Huna people, also known as Huns, invaded Gupta territory, inflicting severe damage on the empire. By the 6th century CE, the empire had been fragmented into provincial states due to attacks from various directions.<\/li>\r\n\t
                            • Political Factors:\u00a0<\/strong>Feudal states, decreased trade, weak leadership, and invasions were political factors contributing to the decline. Internal rebellions, foreign interventions, and dynastic feuds also played a role in the Gupta Empire's downfall.<\/li>\r\n\t
                            • Internal conflicts:\u00a0<\/strong>Major conflicts and divisions among the royal clans destabilized the rule and weakened the empire. The Huns successfully colonised regions such as Gandhara, Punjab, Gujarat, and Malwa, eroding the control of the Gupta Empire.<\/li>\r\n\t
                            • Religious shift:\u00a0<\/strong>Gupta rulers started following Buddhist practices instead of Hinduism, which further weakened the empire.<\/li>\r\n\t
                            • Neglect of military conquests:\u00a0<\/strong>The Guptas shifted their focus away from military conquests and expansion, contributing to the decline of the empire.<\/li>\r\n\t
                            • Incompetent rulers and external pressures:<\/strong>\r\n
                                \r\n\t
                              • Skandagupta, Chandragupta II's grandson, depleted the empire's resources and wealth through his vicious conduct, marking the beginning of the Gupta Empire's decline.<\/li>\r\n\t
                              • Flawed rulers and retaliation from local and foreign powers further weakened the Gupta Empire.<\/li>\r\n\t
                              • Unity and sufficient resources were crucial for maintaining the empire, which was lacking.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n\t
                              • Economic Factors:<\/strong><\/li>\r\n\t
                              • Setbacks in western India and the loss of trading opportunities with the Mediterranean contributed to economic challenges.<\/li>\r\n\t
                              • Failure to implement land reform, floods, crop failures, and natural disasters affected the economy.<\/li>\r\n\t
                              • The migration of the silk weavers' establishment from Gujarat to Malwa, the lack of demand for their products, and fading trade perks in Gujarat impacted the empire.<\/li>\r\n\t
                              • The debasement of gold content in coins during the 5th century impacted the empire's gold reserves and contributed to its decline.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

                                Gupta Empire\u00a0UPSC PYQs<\/h2>\r\n

                                Question 1<\/strong>: How do you justify the view that the level of excellence of the Gupta numismatic art is not at all noticeable in later times?\u00a0(UPSC Mains 2017)<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

                                Question 2:\u00a0<\/strong>Which one of the following ports handled the North Indian trade during the Gupta period?\u00a0(UPSC Prelims 1999)<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

                                  \r\n\t
                                1. Tamralipti<\/li>\r\n\t
                                2. Broach<\/li>\r\n\t
                                3. Kalyan<\/li>\r\n\t
                                4. Cambray<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n

                                  Answer: (a)<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

                                  Question 3:\u00a0<\/strong>There are only two known examples of cave paintings of the Gupta period in ancient India. One of these is paintings of Ajanta caves.Where is the other surviving example of Gupta paintings? (UPSC Prelims 2010)<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

                                    \r\n\t
                                  1. Bagh Caves<\/li>\r\n\t
                                  2. Ellora Caves<\/li>\r\n\t
                                  3. Lomas Rishi Caves<\/li>\r\n\t
                                  4. Nasik Caves<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n

                                    Answer: (a)<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

                                    Question 4:\u00a0<\/strong>With reference to forced labour (Vishti) in India during the Gupta period, which one of the following statements is correct?\u00a0(UPSC Prelims 2019)<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

                                      \r\n\t
                                    1. It was considered a source of income for the State, a sort of tax paid by the people<\/li>\r\n\t
                                    2. It was totally absent in the Madhya Pradesh and Kathiawar regions of the Gupta Empire<\/li>\r\n\t
                                    3. The forced labourer as entitled to weekly wages.<\/li>\r\n\t
                                    4. The eldest son of the labourer was sent as the forced labourer.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n

                                      Answer: (a)<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

                                      Question 5:\u00a0<\/strong>With reference to the period of Gupta dynasty in ancient India, the towns Ghantasala, Kadura and Chauf were well known as\u00a0(UPSC Prelims 2020)<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

                                        \r\n\t
                                      1. Ports handling and foreign trade<\/li>\r\n\t
                                      2. Capital of powerful kingdoms<\/li>\r\n\t
                                      3. Places of exquisite stone art and architecture<\/li>\r\n\t
                                      4. Important Buddhist pilgrimage centres<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n

                                        Answer: (a)<\/strong><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                                        Gupta Empire thrived from the early 4th century CE until the late 6th century CE. Check about Gupta Empire, History, Timeline, Rulers, Map, Economy, Religion, UPSC Notes here<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":3229,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[38],"tags":[174,40],"class_list":{"0":"post-2973","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-upsc-notes","8":"tag-gupta-empire","9":"tag-quest"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2973","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2973"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2973\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22306,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2973\/revisions\/22306"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3229"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2973"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2973"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2973"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}