Gupta Records Terminology for Tanks and Ponds
During the Gupta period (circa 320–550 CE), a significant era in ancient India, administrative and public works were often documented using specific terminology. Understanding these terms is key to interpreting historical records accurately. Water management, including the construction and naming of tanks and ponds, was vital for agriculture and daily life.
Analyzing Historical Terms for Water Bodies
Gupta inscriptions and literature mention various terms related to water sources. Let's examine the options provided to identify the correct term for tanks or ponds used during that era:
| Term | General Meaning | Usage in Gupta Context |
| Nadi | River or stream | Refers to flowing water bodies, not static tanks or ponds. |
| Prapa | A place for offering water, often a water-shed or charitable water station. | Typically associated with resting places or water distribution points, not storage tanks themselves. |
| Kshetra | Field, area, or site. | Used broadly for land or agricultural fields; not specific to water storage structures. |
| Tadaga | Tank, reservoir, or pond (often man-made). | This term is frequently found in Gupta inscriptions and literature to denote artificial reservoirs or tanks built for storing water. |
Identifying the Correct Term: Tadaga
Historical evidence, including epigraphical records from the Gupta age, confirms that the term Tadaga (Sanskrit: tadāga) was commonly used to refer to tanks or artificial ponds. These structures were essential for water conservation and management, serving purposes like irrigation and providing water supply to communities. For instance, inscriptions might detail the construction or maintenance of a tadaga.
Therefore, among the given options, Tadaga is the specific term used in Gupta records for tanks or ponds.
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:
