Gupta Ruler and Nalanda University Founding
The question asks to identify the Gupta ruler who is credited with establishing the renowned Nalanda University.
Kumaragupta I: Founder of Nalanda University
Historical evidence strongly suggests that Kumaragupta I, a ruler of the Gupta Empire, was the founder of Nalanda University. He reigned from approximately 415 to 455 CE.
Significance of Nalanda University
Nalanda University was one of the world's first great residential universities and a major centre of learning in ancient India. Its key aspects include:
- It was a Mahayana Buddhist centre of learning.
- It attracted scholars and students from across the Buddhist world, including China, Korea, and Tibet.
- The university offered advanced studies in various subjects like philosophy, literature, medicine, astronomy, and mathematics.
- Its establishment by Kumaragupta I highlights the Gupta period's significant contribution to the promotion of education and culture in India.
Analyzing the Options
Let's look at the given options in the context of Nalanda's founding:
- Kumaragupta II: While a Gupta ruler, historical records do not credit him with founding Nalanda.
- Sri Gupta: He was the founder of the Gupta dynasty but lived much earlier, and Nalanda was founded much later.
- Kumaragupta I: This ruler is widely accepted by historians as the founder of Nalanda University.
- Skandagupta: A later and capable ruler of the Gupta Empire, known for defending against the Hunas, but not the founder of Nalanda.
Therefore, Kumaragupta I is the correct answer.
Important Questions from Gupta Age
From the decline of Guptas until the rise of Harshavardhana in the early seventh century, which of the following kingdoms were holding power in Northern India?
1. The Guptas of Magadha
2. The Paramaras Malwa
3. The Pushyabhutis of Thanesar
4. The Maukharis of Kanauj
5. The Yaduvas of Devagiri
6. The Maitrakas of Valabhi
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Identify the person from the following description :
a. Founder of a great empire.
b. Cultured, scholar and a poet.
c. The famous poet Harisena was his court poet and Buddhist scholar Vasubandhu was in his court.
d. Vincent Smith praises him as the 'Indian Napoleon'.
The campaigns of which of the following Gupta ruler are described in the ‘Prayagprasasti’ ?
Given below are two statements: One is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R.
Assertion (A): The Gupta period saw the ascendency of Hinduism, especially Bhagavatism or vaishnavism
Reason (R): Fahsien given the impression that Buddhism was flourishing during this period. It may be said first that four Buddha images were added at the four entrances of the great stupa of Sanchi. Nalanda also became a centre of Buddhist education during this period.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
The Gupta empire had a very elaborate administrative system at the village level. Which of the bodies below are mentioned in the inscription of that period.
(A) Ghatika
(B) Pancha-mandli
(C) Ashtakula-adhikarana
(D) Sabhamandala
(E) Tri-mandli
Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
