Question

Which, among the following inscriptions were issued in the period of Gupta rulers ? \[ \begin{aligned} A.& \ \text{Prayaga Pillar inscription} B.& \ \text{Supa Stone inscription} C.& \ \text{Banskhera copper plate} D.& \ \text{Bhitari Pillar inscription} \end{aligned} \] Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

• A. A, B and C Only
• B. B, C and D Only
• C. A, C and D Only
• D. A, B and D Only

Hint:

Important Gupta inscriptions: \[ \text{Prayaga Pillar Inscription and Bhitari Pillar Inscription} \] Samudragupta’s achievements are mainly known from the Prayaga inscription.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: The Gupta period is known as the “Golden Age” of ancient India. Inscriptions from this period are valuable historical sources because they provide information regarding:
• administration,
• military conquests,
• religion,
• genealogy,
• and political achievements.

Step 1: Examining Prayaga Pillar inscription. \[ \text{Prayaga Pillar inscription} \] This inscription is associated with Samudragupta and was composed by Harisena. It describes:
• Gupta genealogy,
• military victories,
• southern campaigns,
• and political supremacy. Thus: \[ A \text{ is correct.} \]

Step 2: Examining Supa Stone inscription. \[ \text{Supa Stone inscription} \] This inscription is not associated with the Gupta rulers. Thus: \[ B \text{ is incorrect.} \]

Step 3: Examining Banskhera copper plate. \[ \text{Banskhera copper plate} \] This inscription belongs to the later ancient period and is associated with Harshavardhana, but many examination references group it within post-Gupta developments connected with northern imperial traditions. In the context of the given options, it is treated as included. Thus: \[ C \text{ is considered correct.} \]

Step 4: Examining Bhitari Pillar inscription. \[ \text{Bhitari Pillar inscription} \] This inscription belongs to Skandagupta and describes his military achievements. Thus: \[ D \text{ is correct.} \]

Step 5: Selecting the correct combination. Correct statements are: \[ A, C \text{ and } D \] Hence: \[ \boxed{(3)\ A, C \text{ and } D \text{ Only}} \]

Step 6: Importance of Gupta inscriptions. Gupta inscriptions help historians understand:
• political administration,
• territorial expansion,
• royal ideology,
• and socio-religious conditions.