Question

The Guptas started their reign from ________ __
A)Magadha
B)Kosala
C)Kashi
D)Avanti

Answer 1

Hint: The Gupta period is well-known for its achievements in architecture, religion and science. Between c. 320 and 550 CE, the empire expanded across parts of southern India and central and northern India.

Complete answer: Option A: 320-335 CE, the empire witnessed the rapid expansion under the reign of Chandragupta I. The period under the Gupta dynasty rule was of prosperity and growth and came to be known as a “Golden Age” of Indian history, which continued for the next two and a half centuries. The empire was founded by Sri Gupta, with political alliances and conquests they expanded their empire to neighbouring kingdoms. They assimilated the kingdoms of Saketa, Prayaga and Magadha.
Magadha,( now in Bihar) was an important ancient Indian kingdom and was one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas. The Gupta Empire originated in Magadha, the location of Magadha was very strategic for trade, the land had rich alluvial soil which eventually contributed to agricultural surplus. The production of iron tools for warfare heavily relied on the availability of the minerals. The city of Magadha, as one of the important sites in history, witnessed the expansion of Jainism and Buddhism.
Option B: Kosala, roughly lies in the region of Awadh ( Uttar Pradesh) was an ancient Indian kingdom. This option is incorrect.
Option C: Kashi (present-day Varanasi) is regarded as a spiritual capital of India. This option is not correct.
Option D: Avanti was one of the important Ancient Indian Mahajanapadas in the sixth century BCE. This option is not correct.
Therefore, the correct option is A.

Note: Due to the loss of imperial authority and decline of territory, by the invasions and their feudatories led to the collapse of the empire in the sixth century. They were succeeded by various kingdoms like the Maratha dynasty, Vardhana dynasty and others.