1. Where is Samudragupta’s Prashasti inscribed?
a) On a temple wall in Ujjain
b) On an Ashokan pillar at Allahabad
c) On a rock in Sanchi
d) On a copper plate in Mathura
Answer: b) On an Ashokan pillar at Allahabad
Explanation: Samudragupta’s Prashasti was inscribed on the Ashokan pillar at Allahabad, written by his court poet, Harishena.
2. Who composed the Prashasti of Samudragupta?
a) Kalidasa
b) Harishena
c) Banabhatta
d) Ravikirti
Answer: b) Harishena
Explanation: Harishena was a poet and minister in Samudragupta’s court, who composed his Prashasti, glorifying the ruler’s achievements.
3. What qualities of Samudragupta are mentioned in the Prashasti?
a) He was a great warrior
b) He was a learned scholar and poet
c) He was equal to the gods
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Samudragupta is praised as a brave warrior, a scholar, a poet, and even as equal to the gods, emphasizing his greatness.
4. How does the Prashasti describe Samudragupta’s military achievements?
a) He never fought any wars
b) He conquered both Aryavarta and Dakshinapatha
c) He lost many battles but was still respected
d) He was a peaceful king who avoided conflicts
Answer: b) He conquered both Aryavarta and Dakshinapatha
Explanation: Samudragupta defeated the rulers of Aryavarta and Dakshinapatha, integrating them into his empire.
5. How were the rulers of Aryavarta treated by Samudragupta?
a) They were allowed to continue ruling
b) They were uprooted and their kingdoms were annexed
c) They were given gifts and made allies
d) They signed peace treaties
Answer: b) They were uprooted and their kingdoms were annexed
Explanation: The rulers of Aryavarta (Northern India) were defeated and their territories were directly added to Samudragupta’s empire.
6. How did Samudragupta deal with the rulers of Dakshinapatha (Southern India)?
a) He allowed them to rule after defeating them
b) He completely destroyed their cities
c) He signed an alliance with them
d) He made them his military commanders
Answer: a) He allowed them to rule after defeating them
Explanation: The rulers of Dakshinapatha surrendered to Samudragupta but were allowed to continue ruling under his suzerainty.
7. What evidence suggests that Samudragupta was a musician?
a) Inscriptions mention his musical skills
b) His coins depict him playing the veena
c) He wrote music manuals
d) He established a school for musicians
Answer: b) His coins depict him playing the veena
Explanation: Coins from Samudragupta’s time show him playing the veena, indicating his talent in music.
8. What did the rulers of the outlying areas (such as Sri Lanka) do in response to Samudragupta?
a) They sent tribute and followed his orders
b) They refused to acknowledge his rule
c) They allied with his enemies
d) They declared independence
Answer: a) They sent tribute and followed his orders
Explanation: The rulers of outlying areas, such as Sri Lanka, sent tribute to Samudragupta and acknowledged his supremacy.
9. What was the significance of Samudragupta’s victories?
a) They expanded the Gupta Empire’s influence
b) They brought wealth through tributes
c) They established him as a powerful ruler
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Samudragupta’s conquests extended the Gupta Empire, increased its wealth through tributes, and reinforced his image as a great ruler.
10. Why are Prashastis important sources of history?
a) They provide detailed and accurate records of events
b) They offer insights into how rulers wanted to be remembered
c) They were written by common people
d) They criticize the rulers
Answer: b) They offer insights into how rulers wanted to be remembered
Explanation: Prashastis often exaggerated the greatness of rulers, giving historians an idea of how kings wanted to be seen rather than just factual records.
