Consider the following statements about the Gupta administrative system : 1. The Gupta kings assumed imperial titles such as Maharajadhiraja, Parama-bhattaraka and Parameshvara. 2. The Gupta kings also connected themselves with the Gods through epithets such as Parama-daivata and Parama-bhagavata. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.Both 1 and 2
- D.Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is C, Both 1 and 2. Gupta inscriptions show the kings using grand imperial titles and also religious epithets that linked them with the gods. Statement 1 is correct: the Guptas styled themselves Maharajadhiraja (great king of kings), Parama-bhattaraka (supreme lord) and Parameshvara (supreme ruler), titles that announced a claim to overlordship over many subordinate kings and samantas. Statement 2 is also correct: the kings called themselves Parama-daivata (foremost worshipper of the gods) and Parama-bhagavata (devout worshipper of Vishnu or Bhagavata), and the Allahabad pillar inscription even compares Samudragupta to gods such as Kubera, Varuna, Indra and Yama. Option A is wrong because it leaves out the correct second statement. Option B is wrong because it leaves out the correct first statement. Option D is wrong because both statements are supported by Gupta records. Exam tip: Gupta kings = Maharajadhiraja and Parama-bhagavata; Samudragupta's achievements are recorded in Harishena's Prayaga Prashasti.
Practice Questions
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