Explanation: The Gupta Empire was divided into provinces known as deshas or bhuktis. They were administered by governors who were usually designated as uparikas.

• The uparika was directly appointed by the king and he, in turn, frequently appointed the head of the district administration and the district board.
• Uparika carried on the administration “with the enjoyment of the rule consisting of elephants, horses and soldiers”, indicating his control over the military machinery as well.

Source: NCERT