History of India from Shunga to Pushyabhuti Dynasty (HISDSM-151)
FYUG Even Semester Exam, 2025
Course No: HISDSM-151 | Semester: 2nd | Full Marks: 70
Exam Duration: 3 Hours | Pass Marks: 28
UNIT-I
Question 1 2 × 2 = 4 Marks
(a) Name two Shunga rulers.
Two prominent rulers of the Shunga dynasty were Pushyamitra Shunga and Agnimitra.
(b) Who was the last ruler of the Shunga dynasty? Which dynasty succeeded the Shunga dynasty?
The last ruler of the Shunga dynasty was Devabhuti.
He was succeeded by the Kanva dynasty.
(c) Who is considered as the greatest ruler of the Satavahana dynasty? When did he ascend the throne?
Gautamiputra Satakarni is considered the greatest ruler of the Satavahana dynasty.
He is generally believed to have ascended the throne around 106 CE.
Question 2 10 Marks
Option A
(a) Review the administration of the Satavahana dynasty.
The Satavahana administration was largely based on the pattern laid down by the Mauryas, but with significant decentralization and local autonomy.
- Monarchy: The King was the supreme head of state and often took high-sounding titles like Dakshinapathapathi.
- Administrative Units: The empire was divided into Aharas (provinces), which were governed by officials known as Amatyas or Mahamatras.
- Military Influence: Administration had a strong military character.
Feudatories like Maharathis and Mahabhojas exercised significant power in their respective regions.
- Rural Administration: Villages were the basic units, managed by the Gramika.
- Land Grants: A unique feature was the practice of granting tax-free land to Brahmins and Buddhist monks, which led to the growth of landed intermediaries.
Option B
(b) Write a note on the conquests and achievements of Menander.
Menander (known as Milinda in Indian tradition) was the most famous Indo-Greek ruler who ruled from Sialkot (Sakala).
- Military Conquests: He expanded the Indo-Greek kingdom significantly, reaching as far as the Gangetic valley and possibly threatening Pataliputra.
- Cultural Synthesis: He is best known for his dialogue with the Buddhist monk Nagasena, recorded in the text Milindapanha (The Questions of Milinda).
- Religion: Following his discussions with Nagasena, he embraced Buddhism and became a great patron of the faith.
- Coinage: He issued a large variety of bilingual coins (Greek and Kharosthi scripts), which reflect the prosperity and cultural mixing of his reign.
UNIT-II
Question 3 2 × 2 = 4 Marks
(a) Name two Kushana rulers.
Two notable Kushana rulers were Kujula Kadphises and Kanishka I.
(b) Who founded the Western Kshatrapa dynasty? Who was the most notable ruler of the Western Kshatrapas?
The Western Kshatrapa dynasty was founded by Chashtana.
The most notable and powerful ruler was Rudradaman I.
(c) Who was Kharavela? Which inscription provides detailed information about him?
Kharavela was the third ruler of the Cheti (Chedi) dynasty of Kalinga.
Detailed information about him is found in the Hathigumpha Inscription (Elephant Cave Inscription) at Udayagiri.
Question 4 10 Marks
Option A
(a) Discuss about the cultural development of the Kushana period with special reference to Gandhara School of Art.
The Kushana period, especially under Kanishka, was a landmark in Indian cultural history.
- Gandhara School of Art: This school developed in the northwestern frontier.
It is characterized by the Graeco-Buddhist style, where Buddhist themes were depicted using Greek artistic techniques.
- Features: Buddha was depicted with wavy hair, muscular anatomy, and heavy drapery resembling a Roman toga.
- Mathura School: Simultaneously, a purely indigenous style developed in Mathura using red spotted sandstone.
- Religion: The Fourth Buddhist Council was held in Kashmir under Kanishka's patronage, leading to the rise of Mahayana Buddhism.
- Literature: Scholars like Ashvaghosha (author of Buddhacharita) and Vasumitra flourished during this time.
Option B
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(b) Write a note on Kalinga ruler Kharavela.
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Kharavela (1st century BCE) restored the glory of Kalinga after the Mauryan decline.
- Military Campaigns: According to the Hathigumpha inscription, he defeated the Satavahanas, invaded Magadha, and even repulsed Indo-Greek threats.
- Public Works: He was a benevolent ruler who repaired the capital Kalinganagari and built canals for agriculture.
- Patron of Jainism: Though tolerant, he was a devout Jain.
He constructed caves for Jain monks at Udayagiri and Khandagiri hills.
- Title: He bore titles like Chakravartin and Mahameghavahana.
UNIT-III
Question 5 2 × 2 = 4 Marks
(a) Name two famous scientists of the Gupta period.
Two renowned scientists of the Gupta era were Aryabhata and Varahamihira.
(b) Who was the founder of the Gupta dynasty? Which famous university was established during the Gupta period?
The founder of the Gupta dynasty was Sri Gupta.
The famous Nalanda University was established during the Gupta period (specifically under Kumaragupta I).
(c) Name two religions coexisted during the Gupta Age.
The Gupta Age was marked by religious harmony where Hinduism (Vaishnavism/Shaivism) and Buddhism coexisted.
Question 6 10 Marks
Option A
(a) Discuss briefly the conquests and achievements of Chandragupta-II.
Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) brought the Gupta Empire to its peak.
- Conquest of the Shakas: His most significant military achievement was the destruction of the Western Kshatrapas (Shakas), which gave the Guptas control over the Arabian Sea ports.
- Matrimonial Alliances: He strengthened his position by marrying a Naga princess and marrying his daughter Prabhavatigupta to the Vakataka king.
- Navaratnas: His court was famous for the "Nine Gems" (Navaratnas), including the poet Kalidasa.
- Chinese Pilgrim: The Chinese traveler Faxian (Fa-Hien) visited India during his reign and described the prosperity of the empire.
Option B
(b) Analyze the administrative system of the Guptas.
Gupta administration was characterized by a blend of central authority and provincial autonomy.
- The King: Held titles like Maharajadhiraja and was assisted by a council of ministers (Mantriparishad).
- Provincial Units: The empire was divided into Bhuktis (provinces) headed by Uparikas.
- District Level: Bhuktis were divided into Vishayas (districts) under Vishayapatis.
- Local Council: In districts, the Vishayapati was advised by a council including representatives like the Nagarasresthi (chief merchant) and Prathamakulika (chief artisan).
- Justice: For the first time, civil and criminal laws were clearly demarcated.
UNIT-IV
Question 7 2 × 2 = 4 Marks
(a) Who were the Hunas?
The Hunas (Hephthalites or White Huns) were central Asian nomadic tribes whose frequent invasions played a major role in the decline of the Gupta Empire.
(b) Name the inscription which provides information about the Maitrakas. Which famous university was associated with the Maitrakas?
Information about the Maitrakas is found in various Copper Plate Inscriptions (e.g., of Dharasena).
The famous Vallabhi University in Gujarat was associated with the Maitrakas.
(c) Name two Vakataka rulers.
Two prominent Vakataka rulers were Vindhyashakti (founder) and Pravarasena I.
Question 8 10 Marks
Option A
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(a) Discuss the political achievements of the Maitrakas.
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The Maitrakas ruled over Saurashtra (Gujarat) with Vallabhi as their capital after the decline of the Guptas.
- Independence: Bhatarka, a general of the Guptas, founded the dynasty.
His successors eventually declared full independence.
- Strategic Diplomacy: They maintained stability by forming alliances with powerful rulers like Harshavardhana.
- Longevity: The dynasty survived for nearly 300 years, providing a stable administration in Western India.
- Economic Growth: Control over the ports of Gujarat allowed for flourishing maritime trade, making Vallabhi a wealthy commercial center.
Option B
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(b) Give a brief account of the political achievements of the Vakatakas.
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The Vakatakas were a powerful dynasty in the Deccan and Central India.
- Expansion: Under Pravarasena I, the kingdom expanded significantly across Central India and the Deccan.
- Gupta-Vakataka Alliance: The marriage between Rudrasena II and Chandragupta II's daughter, Prabhavatigupta, was a major political masterstroke.
- Cultural Legacy: They were great patrons of art and literature.
The Vakatakas were responsible for many of the rock-cut Buddhist viharas and chaityas at Ajanta.
- Religion: While they were staunch Brahmanists, they generously supported Buddhist establishments like those at Ajanta.
UNIT-V
Question 9 2 × 2 = 4 Marks
(a) By which South Indian king was Harshavardhana defeated? To which dynasty did he belong?
Harshavardhana was defeated by Pulakeshin II.
He belonged to the Chalukya dynasty of Badami.
(b) Name two dramas composed by Harshavardhana.
Harshavardhana was a scholar-king who composed Ratnavali and Priyadarsika (or Nagananda).
(c) Who was Shashanka? What was his capital?
Shashanka was the first independent king of Gauda (Bengal).
His capital was Karnasuvarna.
Question 10 10 Marks
Option A
(a) Discuss briefly the contribution of Harshavardhana to the Indian culture and religion.
Harshavardhana (r. 606–647 CE) is remembered as one of the last great Hindu emperors who fostered culture and religion.
- Religious Assemblies: He organized the massive Kanauj Assembly to popularize Mahayana Buddhism and the Prayag Assembly (Quinquennial festival) where he donated all his wealth.
- Patronage to Education: He was a great patron of Nalanda University, providing it with generous land grants and revenue.
- Literature: He authored three famous plays and hosted brilliant scholars like Banabhatta (author of Harshacharita) in his court.
- Buddhist Support: Although initially a Shiva worshipper, he became a great supporter of Buddhism under the influence of the Chinese traveler Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang).
Option B
(b) Form an estimate of the rise of the Gauda under Shashanka.
Shashanka was a formidable rival to Harshavardhana and established the first major regional power in Bengal.
- Independence: He unified various parts of Bengal and declared independence from the later Guptas.
- Geopolitical Rivalry: He formed an alliance with the Malwa king Devagupta to counter the Thanesar-Kannauj alliance.
- Military Success: He successfully killed Rajyavardhana (Harsha's brother) and occupied Kannauj for a brief period.
- Resistance: He successfully resisted Harsha's attempts to conquer Gauda during his lifetime, ensuring that Bengal remained an independent power.
Exam Focus Enhancements
Exam Tips
[span_111](start_span)- Highlight the names of inscriptions (e.g., Hathigumpha, Allahabad Pillar) in your answers to score extra marks.
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- For 10-mark questions on rulers, always mention their specific titles (e.g., Vikramaditya for Chandragupta II).
Common Mistakes
- Confusing the Shunga dynasty with the Sanga (Rajput) period.
- Misidentifying the founder of the Gupta dynasty (Sri Gupta is the founder, Chandragupta I is the first sovereign).
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Who wrote the Harshacharita? A: Banabhatta.
- Q: Which Chinese traveler visited during the Guptas? A: Faxian.
Important Formulas / Lists
- Gupta Hierarchy: Bhukti (Province) > Vishaya (District) > Grama (Village)
- Harsha's Works: Ratnavali, Priyadarsika, Nagananda
Answer Presentation Strategy
Use a structured approach: start with a brief Introduction, follow with Key Points under subheadings, and conclude with the Impact/Legacy of the ruler or dynasty. [span_120](start_span)Underline terms like Gandhara School and Hathigumpha.[span_120](end_span)