Question Answers for Chapter 7 The Gupta Era: An Age of Tireless Creativity Class 7 Social Science Exploring Society: India and Beyond
Class 7 Science The Gupta Era: An Age of Tireless Creativity Extra Questions
Very Short Answer Questions
Question 1. Who wrote the Aryabhațiya?
Answer
Aryabhaṭa wrote the Aryabhaṭīya, a significant work in mathematics and astronomy.
Question 2. What period does the Gupta Era refer to?
Answer
The Gupta Era refers to the 3rd to 6th century CE.
Question 3. What is the Gupta Empire known for?
Answer
The Gupta Empire is known for its achievements in art, literature, science, and governance.
Question 4. What title did Gupta rulers use to signify their supreme power?
Answer
Gupta rulers used titles like maharajadhiraja, samrat, and chakravartin.
Question 5. What was the significance of the Iron Pillar in Delhi?
Answer
The Iron Pillar in Delhi is known for its advanced metallurgy and rust-resistant iron.
Question 6. Who was Samudragupta and what was his contribution?
Answer Samudragupta was a warrior king who expanded the Gupta Empire through military conquests.
Question 7. What is the Prayaga Prashasti?
Answer
The Prayaga Prashasti is a pillar inscription praising Samudragupta’s achievements, written by his poet Harisena.
Question 8. What did Faxian, a Chinese traveller, observe about Gupta society?
Answer
Faxian noted that people were content, cities were wealthy, and merchants built charity houses, but chandalas faced harsh treatment.
Question 9. What was the main source of income for the Gupta Empire?
Answer
The main source of income for the Gupta Empire was land tax, along with other taxes on mines, irrigation, and trade.
Question 10. What role did Prabhavati Gupta play in strengthening the Gupta-Vakaṭaka relations?
Answer
Prabhavatī Gupta married a Vakaṭaka prince and later became a regent for her sons, strengthening the Gupta-Vakaṭaka ties.
Question 11. What is the significance of Nalanda University during the Gupta period?
Answer
Nalanda University was a major center of learning, supported by the Gupta rulers, and attracted scholars from across the world.
Question 12. What was the role of the Gupta dynasty in spreading Buddhism?
Answer
The Gupta dynasty supported Buddhism by funding Buddhist viharas (monasteries) and promoting religious tolerance.
Question 13. What is Kalidasa’s Meghadutam about?
Answer
Kalidasa’s Meghadutam is a poem about a yaksha sending a message to his beloved via a cloud.
Question 14. What were the key features of Gupta era art?
Answer
Gupta-era art is known for its beauty, detailed carvings, and sculptures, especially in sites like the Ajanta Caves.
Question 15. What was the cultural impact of the Gupta Empire?
Answer
The Gupta Empire had a profound cultural impact, fostering Sanskrit literature, religious tolerance, and artistic achievements.
Question 16. What was the role of trade during the Gupta period?
Answer
Trade was vital to the Gupta economy, as India traded textiles, spices, and gems with the Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and China.
Question 17. How did Gupta rulers support other religions?
Answer
Gupta rulers supported various religions, including Buddhism, Jainism, and Brahmanism by providing patronage and building religious institutions.
Question 18. What does the term "Classical Age" refer to in the context of the Gupta Empire?
Answer
The term "Classical Age" refers to the Gupta period’s cultural and intellectual achievements, including art, literature, and science.
Question 19. What was the Gupta Empire’s approach to governance?
Answer
The Gupta Empire had a well-organized administration, with local rulers managing regions in exchange for tribute and loyalty.
Question 20. How did the Gupta period contribute to the development of the Indian numeral system?
Answer
The Gupta period saw the development of numerals, including early forms of zero, which influenced modern mathematics.
Question 21. What led to the decline of the Gupta Empire?
Answer
The decline of the Gupta Empire was caused by external invasions, internal conflicts, and the rise of regional powers.
Short Answer Questions
Question 1. How did Samudragupta expand the Gupta Empire?
Answer
Samudragupta expanded the Gupta Empire through military conquests. He defeated neighbouring kings, including those in the north and central India, and brought them under Gupta control, either as tributaries or allies.
Question 2. Why is the Gupta period called the 'classical age' of India? (2 marks)
Answer
The Gupta period is called the 'classical age' of India due to peace and stability, flourishing Sanskrit literature (e.g., Kalidasa), scientific progress by scholars like Aryabhaṭa, advances in art and architecture, and royal patronage of learning, including Nalanda University.
Question 3. What was the significance of the Iron Pillar in Delhi? (2 marks)
Answer
The Iron Pillar in Delhi is more than 1,600 years old and was made during the time of Chandragupta II. It was first placed near the Udayagiri caves and later moved to Delhi. The pillar is dedicated to Vishnu and has writings praising the king. It has not rusted even after so many years, showing the great metalwork skills of ancient India.
Question 4. How did the Guptas use matrimonial alliances to strengthen their empire? (2 marks)
Answer
The Guptas used marriage alliances to build friendly relations with neighbouring kingdoms. For example, Chandragupta II's daughter, Prabhavati Gupta, married a prince of the Vakaṭaka dynasty. These alliances helped maintain peace and increased the Guptas’ influence without war.
Question 5. What role did Faxian’s travelogue play in understanding Gupta society?
Answer
Faxian’s travelogue, a Record of Buddhistic Kingdoms, provides valuable insights into Gupta society. It describes the peaceful and prosperous conditions, the welfare of people, and the treatment of different social groups during that time.
Question 6. What does the Iron Pillar in Delhi signify?
Answer
The Iron Pillar in Delhi signifies the advanced metallurgy of the Gupta period. Its rust-resistant quality showcases the Gupta’s skill in metalworking, especially in iron, and their contribution to early science.
Question 7. How did the Gupta rulers contribute to Sanskrit literature?
Answer
The Gupta rulers patronized Sanskrit literature, leading to the creation of important works like Kalidasa’s Meghadūtam and the Puraṇas. This period is known for the flourishing of classical Sanskrit poetry and drama.
Question 8. Why was the Gupta period considered the "Classical Age" of India?
Answer
The Gupta period is called the "Classical Age" because it saw remarkable achievements in art, literature, science, and governance. These accomplishments laid the foundation for much of India’s cultural legacy.
Question 9. How did the Gupta rulers support Buddhism and other religions?
Answer
Gupta rulers supported Buddhism by funding Buddhist viharas (monasteries) and promoting religious tolerance. They also supported other religions like Brahmanism and Jainism, ensuring a peaceful coexistence of beliefs.
Question 10. What was the significance of the Gupta Empire's coinage system?
Answer
The Gupta Empire’s coinage system was highly advanced, with coins made of gold, silver, and copper. The coins featured images of rulers and deities, reflecting the empire’s wealth, artistic achievements, and political power.
Question 11. How did Gupta art influence Indian architecture?
Answer
Gupta art influenced Indian architecture through its detailed sculptures, carvings, and temple designs. Examples include the Ajanta Caves, which feature intricate murals and statues of Buddha, showcasing the era's artistic skill.
Question 12. What role did Varahamihira play in the development of Indian science?
Answer
Varahamihira was a pioneer in Indian science, particularly in astronomy and astrology. His book Brihat Samhita combined observations of the natural world with traditional knowledge, making it an important work in ancient scientific studies.
Question 13. How did Kalidasa contribute to Indian literature?
Answer
Kalidasa contributed significantly to Sanskrit literature, particularly through his poetry and plays. His famous work Meghadutam is known for its poetic beauty and vivid descriptions of nature, love, and landscapes.
Question 14. How did the Gupta administration support trade and economy?
Answer
The Gupta administration supported trade and the economy through a structured taxation system. This system funded military campaigns, infrastructure, and religious activities while facilitating trade within India and with other regions.
Question 15. What led to the decline of the Gupta Empire?
Answer
The decline of the Gupta Empire was caused by external invasions, particularly by the Huna tribe, and internal conflicts. The weakening central authority led to the fragmentation of the empire into smaller regional powers.
Question 16. How did the decline of the Gupta Empire impact India?
Answer
The decline of the Gupta Empire in the 6th century CE marked the end of the Classical Age. This decline was caused by a combination of external invasions, particularly from the Huna tribe, and internal political instability. The weakening of the central authority led to the rise of regional powers, which fragmented India into smaller kingdoms. Despite the collapse of the Gupta Empire, its cultural and intellectual achievements left a lasting legacy in Indian history.
Question 17. Explain the contributions of Kalidasa to Sanskrit literature.
Answer
Kalidasa is one of the most celebrated poets of the Gupta period. His work, especially the poem Meghadūtam (The Cloud Messenger), is known for its lyrical beauty, vivid descriptions, and deep emotional expression. His plays and poems, which explore themes of love, nature, and human relationships, are considered masterpieces of Sanskrit literature and continue to be revered for their artistic merit and cultural impact.
Long Answer Questions
Question 1. Design a public policy initiative that would have supported the Gupta Empire’s advancements in art and literature. What key features would the policy include?
Answer
The public policy initiative would focus on patronage of arts and education, encouraging creativity and intellectual growth.
Key features of the policy would include:
- Grants and Scholarships: Establishing state-funded scholarships for scholars and artists to pursue education in various fields, including literature, astronomy, and mathematics.
- Cultural Centers: Setting up institutions like Nalanda University across the empire to promote learning and the exchange of ideas, fostering an environment of intellectual development.
- Art Patronage: The state would commission the construction of temples, sculptures, and paintings, ensuring that artists and craftsmen receive the resources they need to showcase their talent.
- Promotion of Sanskrit: Encouraging the use of Sanskrit in literature, poetry, and philosophy, while also supporting other regional languages and cultures to maintain diversity.
- Trade of Artifacts: Facilitating the trade of art and literature with other kingdoms and empires, ensuring cultural exchange and the growth of the empire’s artistic reputation.
Question 2. Discuss the role of art and architecture during the Gupta period.
Answer
Art and architecture flourished under the Gupta rulers. The Gupta period saw the construction of iconic structures like the Ajanta Caves, with their detailed paintings and sculptures. The architecture of temples and viharas (monasteries) reached new heights, with the use of intricate carvings and sculptures depicting Hindu and Buddhist deities. This era's art focused on beauty, religious symbolism, and mastery in stonework.
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| Aspects of Gupta Art |
Question 3. How did the Gupta rulers encourage religious tolerance?
Answer
Gupta rulers were known for promoting religious tolerance. They supported a variety of religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The rulers funded Buddhist viharas and temples, while also supporting Hindu religious practices and institutions. This inclusive approach created an environment where different religious traditions coexisted peacefully, allowing cultural and intellectual exchange to thrive.
Question 4. Why do you think the Gupta Empire’s support of multiple schools of thought, such as Buddhism, Jainism, and Vedic traditions, was significant for its cultural unity?
Answer
- The Gupta Empire’s support of multiple schools of thought helped promote cultural unity by fostering an environment of religious tolerance and intellectual diversity.
- By supporting Buddhism, Jainism, and Vedic traditions, Gupta rulers ensured that no single religion dominated, allowing people from various backgrounds to coexist peacefully.
- This approach encouraged cultural exchange, artistic developments, and philosophical discourse, contributing to the empire’s long-lasting cultural influence.
- The inclusive attitude promoted by the Gupta rulers also helped maintain political stability and unity in a diverse empire.
Question 5. How did trade contribute to the Gupta Empire's prosperity?
Answer
Trade played a crucial role in the Gupta Empire's prosperity. The empire's strategic location along trade routes facilitated commerce with regions in Southeast Asia, the Mediterranean, and Central Asia. The Gupta rulers levied taxes on trade, which funded their administration, military, and public works. The empire was known for trading textiles, spices, gems, and other goods, making it economically strong and culturally rich.
Question 6. What is the significance of Faxian's travelogue in understanding Gupta society?
Answer
Faxian's travelogue, A Record of Buddhistic Kingdoms, offers valuable insights into Gupta society. It describes the peaceful and prosperous conditions of the empire, where people were content and lived with relative freedom. Faxian’s observations about the treatment of merchants, the welfare of the poor, and the presence of Buddhist institutions highlight the cultural and social harmony of the time, though his account also shows some inequalities, such as the harsh treatment of outcastes.
Question 7. What were the key features of Gupta society as described by Faxian? (3 marks)
Answer
Faxian is the Chinese traveller who visited India in the early 5th century CE and recorded his observations of Gupta society. His insights highlight several key features:
- Population and Happiness: The people were numerous and content, living without the need for household registrations or constant official oversight.
- Agricultural Practices: Farmers on royal land paid a portion of their grain as tax, indicating a structured agricultural system.
- Employment: The king's guards and attendants received salaries, reflecting a formalised system of governance and public service.
- Urban Prosperity: Cities were described as the greatest in the region, with rich and prosperous inhabitants who practiced kindness and righteousness.
- Charity and Care: Wealthy merchants established houses for charity, ensuring that the poor, orphans, and sick received care, food, and medicines.
- Infrastructure: The cities maintained good order, with well-kept lanes and beautiful homes, showcasing a thriving urban environment.
Question 8. Describe the contributions of Kalidasa to Sanskrit literature.
Answer
Kalidasa is a pivotal figure in Sanskrit literature, known for his exceptional poetic and dramatic works. His contributions include:
- Meghadūtam (The Cloud Messenger): A celebrated poem that narrates the tale of a yakṣha sending a message to his beloved through a cloud, showcasing deep emotions and vivid descriptions of North Indian landscapes.
- Shakuntala: A renowned play that explores themes of love and destiny, highlighting the beauty of human emotions and relationships.
- Vikramorvasiyam: Another significant play that combines romance and mythology, further establishing his reputation as a master playwright.
Kalidasa's works are characterised by their rich imagery, emotional depth, and mastery of language, making him a cornerstone of classical Indian literature.
Question 9. How did Samudragupta contribute to the expansion of the Gupta Empire?
Answer
Samudragupta was a skilled military leader who expanded the Gupta Empire through conquests. He defeated numerous smaller kingdoms, including those in the north, east, and central India. He incorporated these regions into the Gupta Empire either through direct control or as tributaries, ensuring a large and prosperous kingdom. His expansion helped solidify the foundation for the Gupta Golden Age.
Question 10. How did the Pallavas contribute to art and architecture? (3 marks)
Answer
The Pallavas made significant contributions to art and architecture during their reign. Their influence is evident in the following areas:
- The Pallavas were known for their impressive temples and rock-cut caves, many of which were dedicated to Shiva.
- The capital, Kanchipuram, often referred to as the 'city of a thousand temples', became a major centre for learning and culture.
- They fostered an environment that encouraged artistic expression, leading to the creation of intricate sculptures and architectural designs.
Question 11. Explain the contributions of Aryabhața and Varahamihira to science during the Gupta period.
Answer
Aryabhaṭa and Varahamihira made significant contributions to science during the Gupta period, particularly in mathematics and astronomy.
- Aryabhaṭa lived around 500 CE in Kusumapura (near modern Patna). He authored the Aryabhatiya, a key text in mathematics and astronomy.
- He introduced formulas to calculate the movements of the Sun, Moon, and planets, and proposed that the Earth rotates on its axis, explaining day and night.
- Aryabhaṭa estimated the length of a year as 365 days, 6 hours, 12 minutes, and 30 seconds, which is remarkably close to the modern figure.
- He also provided accurate explanations for solar and lunar eclipses and offered a fair estimate of the Earth's size.
Varahamihira is contemporary of Aryabhaṭa, was a mathematician, astronomer, and astrologer based in Ujjayinī.
- His encyclopaedic work, Brihat Samhita, covered various subjects, including astronomy, astrology, weather forecasting, architecture, and agriculture.
- Varahamihira's ability to observe and apply logical reasoning made him a pioneer in scientific thought.
Both scholars laid the groundwork for future advancements in science, influencing generations of thinkers in India and beyond.
Question 12. Discuss how the Guptas promoted art, architecture, and literature in their empire. (5 marks)
Answer
The Gupta Empire significantly advanced art, architecture, and literature during its reign. Here are some key contributions:
- Art: The Guptas fostered a vibrant artistic culture. Notable centres like Sarnath produced exquisite sculptures, particularly of the Buddha.
- Architecture: The era is famed for its stunning temples and rock-cut caves, such as the Ajanta Caves, which feature intricate paintings and carvings.
- Literature: This period saw the flourishing of Sanskrit literature, with works by famous poets like Kalidasa and the compilation of significant texts.
- Science and Mathematics: Scholars like Aryabhaṭa made groundbreaking advancements in mathematics and astronomy, laying the foundation for future developments.
- Education: Institutions like Nalanda University became prominent centres of learning, attracting students from various regions.
Overall, the Gupta Empire's support for creativity and scholarship established a rich cultural legacy that continues to influence India today.
Question 13. How did the decline of the Kushana Empire contribute to the rise of the Gupta Empire?
Answer
- The decline of the Kushana Empire around the 3rd century CE created a power vacuum in the north and northwest of India.
- With the weakening of the Kushanas, the Gupta dynasty, originally a small local kingdom, had an opportunity to rise to power.
- By strategically conquering neighboring regions and forming alliances, the Guptas expanded their influence.
- The downfall of the Kushanas allowed the Guptas to establish a stable and prosperous empire, leading to the cultural and intellectual flourishing of the Gupta period.
Question 14. Compare the contributions of Samudragupta and Chandragupta II to the Gupta Empire in terms of military conquests and cultural achievements.
Answer
- Samudragupta, the father of Chandragupta II, is known for his military conquests, which expanded the Gupta Empire through warfare and diplomacy.
- He unified a large portion of India, often allowing defeated kings to rule as tributaries.
- Chandragupta II, on the other hand, focused more on cultural achievements and consolidating the empire.
- While he continued his father’s military campaigns, he also promoted art, literature, and science.
- Under his reign, the empire saw the flourishing of Sanskrit literature, the construction of beautiful temples, and advancements in astronomy and mathematics.
Question 15. How would you use the Gupta model of governance to address issues of central control and regional autonomy in a modern democratic state?
Answer
- To apply the Gupta model of governance in a modern democratic state, I would focus on a strong central government that maintains overall control while allowing regional autonomy.
- Just as the Gupta emperors appointed local rulers as tributaries while maintaining political stability, modern leaders could use a decentralized approach, giving states or provinces more control over local affairs, such as education and healthcare, while ensuring national unity through a shared constitution and central policies.
- This approach balances centralization with local governance, fostering both unity and diversity.
Question 16. If you were a Gupta ruler, how would you encourage both economic growth and cultural exchange between different regions of the empire?
Answer
- As a Gupta ruler, I would promote economic growth by ensuring stable trade routes and fair tax policies, making trade between regions profitable.
- I would invest in infrastructure such as roads, ports, and marketplaces to facilitate the movement of goods like textiles, spices, and gems.
- Additionally, I would encourage cultural exchange by supporting scholars, artists, and craftsmen from different regions, allowing them to travel and share their knowledge.
- I would also fund educational institutions like Nalanda University, which could attract scholars from all parts of the empire and beyond, fostering intellectual and cultural growth.
Question 17. What might have happened to the Gupta Empire if they had not focused on trade and cultural development as key pillars of their economy?
Answer
- If the Gupta Empire had not focused on trade and cultural development, the empire might have faced economic stagnation and social unrest.
- Trade was a major source of wealth for the Guptas, as they exported goods like spices, textiles, and gems, and also traded with foreign nations.
- Without a thriving trade network, the empire would have lacked the financial resources to maintain a strong military, fund infrastructure, or support the arts and sciences.
- Cultural development, including the support of Sanskrit literature and religious tolerance, also helped unify the empire’s diverse populations.
- Without these elements, the Gupta Empire would have likely faced a decline in both political power and cultural influence.
Question 18. How did the Gupta period contribute to the development of science and mathematics?
Answer
The Gupta period witnessed significant progress in science and mathematics. Aryabhaṭa, a renowned mathematician and astronomer, calculated the Earth’s size and explained the rotation of the Earth on its axis. He also made accurate calculations for eclipses and formulated methods for solving algebraic equations. His work in mathematics and astronomy laid the groundwork for later developments in these fields.