Question

Choose the correct option to complete the statement given below:
The first ruler of Gupta dynasty who adopted the grand title of maharajadhiraja was-
(A) Samudragupta
(B) Chandragupta
(C) Skandagupta
(D) Both (A) and (C)

Answer 1

Hint: He was a pivotal figure in the history of India, who laid the foundations of the first government to unite most of South Asia. He is also referred to as Sandrokottos or Androcottus.

Complete answer:
The first Gupta ruler to assume the title of Maharajadhiraja was Chandragupta I ( 319-350 CE) who was a king of the Gupta dynasty, who had ruled in northern India. His title Maharajadhiraja ("king of great kings'') clearly suggests that he was the first emperor of the dynasty and hence he was considered the founder of the Gupta Empire which was also the time period when the Gupts’s ruled over India is known as the Gupta Era. Chandragupta came to power in 319 AD. Many classical writers called Chandragupta as ‘a man of humble origin’. He was a very efficient ruler and came to be known as ‘Maharajadhiraja’.

With the help of Kautilya, who was also popularly known as Chanakya, Chandragupta Maurya dethroned the last ruler of Nanda dynasty, Dhananand and occupied Patliputra. Chandragupta was the only ruler who was able to unite Northern India for the first time. In his reign the dynasty was full fledged. There was regulated agriculture, trade flourished, money was used, the system of weights and measures was standardised. The major problems included famine, sanitation and taxation. The system of taxation was very unregulated and this became a major cause of concern. Widespread famine took many lives. Due to improper sanitation people were prone to various diseases and low standard of living.

Thus the correct answer is option ‘B’.

Note: Maharaja (also spelled Maharajah, Maharaj) refers to a Sanskrit title used for a "great ruler", "great king" or "high king". A few ruled mighty states informally called empires, including ruler Maharaja Sri Gupta, who was the founder of the ancient Indian Gupta Empire and Chandragupta Maurya. 'Title inflation' soon led to most being rather mediocre or even petty in real power, that also led to compound titles (among other efforts) being utilized in an attempt to distinguish some among their ranks.