SSC Stenographer 2026 PYQ — Question 23

Solution: The correct answer is Only Statement 1 is correct.
Explanation:
☛ Statement 1 is correct: The Gupta Empire is often described as the Classical Age or Golden Age of ancient India. During this era, there was a major revival of Brahmanical traditions (Hinduism), including the worship of Vishnu and Shiva, along with the performance of Vedic sacrifices like Ashvamedha. Sanskrit was adopted as the official court language and reached its literary peak with luminaries like Kalidasa.
☛ Statement 2 is incorrect: The Gupta rulers did not issue only copper coins. In fact, they issued an abundant number of high-quality gold coins (known as Dinaras) and silver coins (known as Rupakas), alongside copper coins. The legends on Gupta coins were written in classical Sanskrit using the Brahmi script, not Prakrit.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Chandragupta I was the first Gupta ruler to issue gold coins, notably the famous Kumaradevi type (king and queen type) coins.
☛ Samudragupta issued eight different types of gold coins, including the Lyrist type (depicting him playing the veena) and the Ashvamedha type.
☛ Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) was the first Gupta king to issue silver coins, following his conquest over the Western Kshatrapas (Sakas).
☛ The court poet Harishena composed the Prayag Prashasti (Allahabad Pillar Inscription) in Sanskrit, praising the military conquests of Samudragupta.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ Who was the founder of the Gupta Empire? → Sri Gupta
☛ What were gold coins called during the Gupta period? → Dinara
☛ Which Gupta ruler assumed the title of 'Vikramaditya'? → Chandragupta II
☛ Which famous physician wrote a treatise on surgery during the ancient period? → Sushruta
☛ The iron pillar located at Mehrauli, Delhi belongs to which period? → Gupta Period (Chandragupta II)