Gupta Period Officer Roles Explained
The Gupta period (roughly 320 CE to 550 CE) featured a complex administrative structure. Understanding the specific roles of different officers helps clarify how the empire managed its resources and military.
Officer for Managing Weapon Stores and Supply
The question asks to identify the specific officer from the Gupta period who was in charge of the stores and the supply of weapons, such as spears and swords.
The correct option is Ranabhandagarika. This title directly relates to the management of military hardware:
- The term 'Ranabhandara' translates to 'armory' or 'repository of weapons'.
- 'Bhandagarika' means a storekeeper or custodian.
Thus, the Ranabhandagarika was the official responsible for overseeing the armory, maintaining the inventory of weapons, and managing their distribution and supply to the military forces. This role was crucial for the military readiness of the Gupta empire.
Understanding Other Gupta Officials
It's helpful to understand the roles of the other officials mentioned to confirm why Ranabhandagarika is the correct answer:
- Sandhivigrahika: This officer was typically the Minister of Foreign Affairs, responsible for matters of peace (Sandhi) and war (Vigraha). Their duties did not involve managing weapon storage.
- Kumaramatya: This was a high-ranking official, often serving in important provincial or central administrative roles. While influential, their duties were generally broader than specific store management.
- Mahadandanayaka: This title usually denoted the Chief Justice or Head of the Police/Military forces. While related to the military, the role focused on command and justice, not the specific logistics of weapon stores and supply.
Therefore, the Ranabhandagarika was the specialized officer responsible for the critical task of managing the stores and supply of weapons during the Gupta era.
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:
