UPSC Prelims 2020 Q82: Ancient History – Gupta Empire
- (a) ports handling foreign trade
- (b) capitals of powerful kingdoms
- (c) places of exquisite stone art and architecture
- (d) important Buddhist pilgrimage centres
Answer: (a) ports handling foreign trade
Explanation
Gupta Period Ports: Ghantasala, Kadura, Chaul
| Port | Known as | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Ghantasala | Foreign trade port | Major port for Roman trade (pottery finds, Rouletted ware). Western coast. |
| Kadura | Foreign trade port | Maritime commerce hub, Arabian Sea trade. |
| Chaul | Foreign trade port | Western coast, key port for Arab, Chinese trade routes. |
Gupta-period coastal trade: Connections with Rome (via Red Sea), China (via maritime Silk Route), Arab merchants. Archaeological evidence: foreign coins, pottery, inscriptions.
Answer: (a) ports handling foreign trade.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Ghantasala, Kadura, and Chaul were ports for foreign/international maritime trade during Gupta period.
- (b) Incorrect. These were trade ports, not kingdom capitals (which were inland).
- (c) Incorrect. Stone art flourished in inland Gupta cities (Mathura, Udayagiri).
- (d) Incorrect. Buddhist pilgrimage centers were Nalanda, Bodh Gaya (inland).
Key point
Gupta maritime trade: Western ports (Roman trade), Eastern ports (China). Archaeological evidence in museum collections worldwide. Trade declined post-6th century (Arab raids, political fragmentation).
Remember
The towns Ghantasala, Kadura and Chaul during the Gupta period were well-known as PORTS HANDLING FOREIGN TRADE - they were maritime centers for international commerce with Rome, China and Arab traders.
Common mistakes
- Conflating coastal ports with inland Buddhist centers. Trade ports != pilgrimage sites.
- Underestimating Gupta external trade. Trade with Rome, China was substantial.
- Missing that Western Ghats ports connected to Indian Ocean network (Arab, Persian traders).
Exam tip
Gupta economic structure: Trade-based wealth (ports, overland Silk Route). Later dynasties (Rashtrakuta) also active traders. Arab takeover of Indian Ocean trade (8th century) reduced Gupta-successor state profits.
Sources
- R.C. Majumdar - The Classical Age (Gupta Trade)
- Archaeological Survey of India - Port Sites Reports