1. What does the term ‘Prashasti’ mean?
a) A royal tax
b) An inscription in praise of a ruler
c) A type of weapon used in wars
d) A trading document
Answer: b) An inscription in praise of a ruler
Explanation: Prashasti is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘in praise of’, referring to inscriptions that glorify rulers and their achievements.
2. Where is the Prashasti of Samudragupta inscribed?
a) On the iron pillar at Mehrauli
b) On a temple wall in South India
c) On the Ashokan pillar at Allahabad
d) On a rock at Sanchi
Answer: c) On the Ashokan pillar at Allahabad
Explanation: Samudragupta’s Prashasti was inscribed on the Ashokan pillar at Allahabad, composed by his court poet, Harishena.
3. Who composed the Prashasti of Samudragupta?
a) Kalidasa
b) Harishena
c) Banabhatta
d) Ravikirti
Answer: b) Harishena
Explanation: Harishena, a poet and minister in Samudragupta’s court, composed his Prashasti, which praised him as a great warrior, poet, and ruler.
4. What qualities of Samudragupta are mentioned in his Prashasti?
a) He was a learned scholar and poet
b) He was an undefeated warrior
c) He was equal to the gods
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Samudragupta’s Prashasti describes him as a warrior, poet, scholar, and even as equal to the gods.
5. What evidence suggests that Samudragupta was a musician?
a) His Prashasti mentions his musical talent
b) Coins show him playing the veena
c) His biography states he was a singer
d) His court poets wrote songs about him
Answer: b) Coins show him playing the veena
Explanation: Coins from Samudragupta’s time depict him playing the veena, suggesting he was not just a warrior but also a musician.
6. How were rulers of Aryavarta treated by Samudragupta?
a) They were defeated and their kingdoms were annexed
b) They were made governors of his empire
c) They were given gifts in return for their loyalty
d) They were asked to send tribute but allowed to rule
Answer: a) They were defeated and their kingdoms were annexed
Explanation: The rulers of Aryavarta (northern India) were defeated by Samudragupta and their kingdoms became part of his empire.
7. How did Samudragupta deal with the rulers of Dakshinapatha (South India)?
a) He completely destroyed their kingdoms
b) He defeated them but allowed them to rule
c) He avoided attacking the south
d) He signed a peace treaty with them
Answer: b) He defeated them but allowed them to rule
Explanation: The rulers of Dakshinapatha (South India) surrendered to Samudragupta after being defeated, but he allowed them to continue ruling.
8. What does the Prashasti of Samudragupta tell us about his empire?
a) It was limited to northern India
b) It covered parts of North and South India
c) It included all of South Asia
d) It was smaller than the Mauryan Empire
Answer: b) It covered parts of North and South India
Explanation: Samudragupta’s empire included northern India and also had influence over rulers in South India who paid him tribute.
9. What was a common feature of Prashastis?
a) They were written in simple language for common people
b) They exaggerated the greatness of rulers
c) They were written by enemies of the ruler
d) They focused only on trade and economy
Answer: b) They exaggerated the greatness of rulers
Explanation: Prashastis were often exaggerated accounts of a king’s achievements, portraying them as divine and invincible.
10. Why were Prashastis important historical sources?
a) They recorded the real history of rulers
b) They provided valuable insights into royal policies and conquests
c) They were the only written records of the past
d) They were official government documents
Answer: b) They provided valuable insights into royal policies and conquests
Explanation: Although often exaggerated, Prashastis help historians understand the military campaigns, administration, and self-image of ancient rulers.
