About the Topic: Decline of the Gupta Empire is an important UPSC topic covering Hun invasions, administrative weaknesses and political fragmentation. Practice MCQ Questions with answers and explanations.
There were different causes for the downfall of the Gupta Empire. Which one among the statements given below was not the cause?
Correct Answer:
(D)
Arab invasion
The decline of the Gupta Empire was not due to the Arab invasion. Arabs invaded India during the medieval era, much later after the downfall of Gupta dynasty.
Ques: 2
The gradual decline of towns was an important feature of which period?
Correct Answer:
(A) Gupta period
During the Gupta period, towns declined gradually. All the towns which were prosperous in the valley, most of them had declined in that age. A major city, Patliputra became village when Hiuen-Tsang came to India. Mathura, Sonpur, Sohgama- all major cities provided evidence of a decline in this age. So, we can say that the gradual decline of towns is an important feature of the Gupta period.
Ques: 3
The last recognised king of Gupta kingdom was?
Correct Answer:
(B) Vishnugupta
Vishnugupta is considered the last recognized king of the Gupta dynasty. While other Gupta rulers are mentioned, like Samudragupta, or Skandagupta, historical records and scholarship generally point to Vishnugupta as the final ruler of the Gupta Empire. His reign is often dated from 540 to 550 CE.
Ques: 4
From the decline of Guptas until the rise of Harshvardhana in the early 7th century, which of the following kingdoms were holding power in Northern India?
The Guptas of Magadh
The Paramaras of Malwa
The Pushyabhutis of Thanesar
The Maukharis of Kanauj
The Yadavs of Devagiri
The Maitrakas of Valabhi
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Correct Answer:
(B) 1, 3, 4 and 6 only
From the decline of the Guptas until the rise of Harshavardhana in the early seventh century, several kingdoms emerged and held power in various parts of Northern India. Let's consider each option:
1. The Guptas of Magadha: After the decline of the main line of Guptas, some later Guptas still managed to hold on to parts of Magadha for some time.
2. The Paramaras of Malwa: The Paramaras rose to prominence much later, in the 9th to 14th centuries, so they wouldn't fit in the period immediately after the decline of the Guptas.
3. The Pushyabhutis of Thanesar: This dynasty did hold power in the region of Thanesar, and Harshavardhana himself belonged to this dynasty.
4. The Maukharis of Kanauj: The Maukharis ruled in the region of Kanauj before the rise of Harsha.
5. The Yadavas of Devagiri: The Yadavas of Devagiri emerged much later, around the 9th century, and primarily held power in the Deccan region.
6. The Maitrakas of Valabhi: After the decline of the Guptas, the Maitrakas established their kingdom in the region of Valabhi and were prominent players in western India.
So, the correct kingdoms that held power in Northern India from the decline of the Guptas until the rise of Harshavardhana are: The Guptas of Magadha, The Pushyabhutis of Thanesar, The Maukharis of Kanauj, and The Maitrakas of Valabhi.
Ques: 5
Consider the following statements:
The decline of the Gupta Empire started during the reign of Skandagupta.
Skandagupta’s empire was drained of finances and resources because of his retaliating behaviour.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer:
(C) Both 1 and 2
Decline of the Gupta Empire
The decline of the Gupta Empire started during the reign of Skandagupta. Skandagupta was the grandson of Chandragupta II. Skandagupta’s empire was drained of finances and resources because of his retaliating behaviour.
The last king of the Gupta Empire that was recognized was Vishnugupta. Vishnugupta reigned from 540 to 550 AD.
There were a lot of Internal conflicts and dissensions among the royal family that led to their weakening.