Q. Consider the following statements about the Gupta Empire:
1.The title mahārājadhirāja used by Gupta rulers signified a claim to greater authority than earlier titles such as mahārāja or rājan.
2.The Gupta Empire followed a strictly centralized administrative model, with little power given to local rulers or chieftains.
3.Matrimonial alliances were used as a strategy to strengthen political ties.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: C
Notes:
Explanation:
- Gupta rulers used grand titles like mahārājadhirāja, samrāṭ, and chakravartin to assert superiority over earlier rulers who used simpler titles.
- The Gupta administration was not strictly centralized. They divided the empire into provinces and granted land to local rulers, priests, and chieftains. This decentralized model allowed efficient tax collection and local governance.
- Matrimonial alliances, such as that of Prabhāvatī Gupta with the Vākāṭaka prince, were used strategically. After her husband’s early death, she ruled as regent and maintained strong ties with the Guptas.
Source: NCERT and Ancient India – NCERT (R.S.Sharma)
