'Vishti' referred to forced labor during the Gupta period. It was considered a source of income for the state, a sort of tax paid in labor rather than cash, where people were compelled to serve the royal army or officials without payment.
12912
Who authored the 'Panchatantra', a collection of animal fables, during the Gupta age?
The 'Panchatantra', one of the most translated literary works in history, was written by Vishnu Sharma during the Gupta period. It was originally composed to teach the principles of statecraft and practical wisdom to three dull-witted princes through animal fables.
12913
Which animal appears on the royal seal (Garuda Dhwaja) of the Gupta Empire?
The Gupta monarchs were staunch followers of Vaishnavism (worshippers of Vishnu). Consequently, they adopted 'Garuda', the mythical bird and vehicle of Lord Vishnu, as their royal emblem. The Garuda Dhwaja was a standard feature of their imperial power.
12914
In the Gupta administration, the largest territorial division 'Bhukti' was administered by an officer called:
The Gupta Empire was divided into provinces known as 'Bhuktis'. These Bhuktis were administered by governors called 'Uparikas', who were directly appointed by the King. The Bhuktis were further divided into districts called 'Vishayas', managed by Vishayapatis.
12915
Which physician, known as the 'God of Medicine', was one of the Navratnas in Chandragupta II's court?
Dhanvantari was a legendary physician and one of the nine gems (Navratnas) in the court of Chandragupta II. He is considered a great authority on Ayurveda and is traditionally worshipped as the god of medicine in the Hindu tradition.
12916
The Ajanta Cave paintings primarily illustrate themes from which religion?
The paintings at the Ajanta Caves, many of which date to the Gupta and Vakataka periods, are masterpieces of Buddhist art. They primarily illustrate the Jataka tales (stories of the Buddha's previous lives) and the life of Gautama Buddha, utilizing the fresco technique.
12917
What was the term used for the silver coins issued by the Guptas?
While gold coins were called 'Dinars', the silver coins issued by the Gupta rulers were known as 'Rupakas'. These were primarily introduced by Chandragupta II after his conquest of the Western Satraps to facilitate local trade in the western territories.
12918
Who was the author of the 'Brihat Samhita', an encyclopedic work on astronomy, botany, and geography?
Varahamihira was a distinguished scholar in the court of Chandragupta II (one of the Navratnas). His work 'Brihat Samhita' is an encyclopedia that covers a vast range of subjects including astronomy, planetary movements, eclipses, rainfall, architecture, and botany.
12919
The Dashavatara Temple, an early example of the Panchayatana style of architecture, is located at:
The Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh (Uttar Pradesh) is one of the finest surviving examples of Gupta architecture. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is significant for being one of the earliest known North Indian temples to feature a 'shikhara' (tower), built in the Panchayatana style.
12920
What was the official court language of the Gupta Empire?
Sanskrit was the official court language of the Gupta Empire and experienced a massive revival during this period. It was the language of the inscriptions, scholarly works, and literature patronized by the kings, replacing the Prakrit that had been favored by earlier dynasties like the Satavahanas.
