UP PSC / UP PCS 2022 – Prelims – General Studies Paper I
Question: With reference to Chandragupta — II, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. The strongest evidence in the context of Shaka Victory is the silver coins of this King.
2. The weight of these coins used to be about 33 grains.
Select the correct answer from the code given below:
Code:
(a) Both 1 and 2
(b) Only 1
(c) Neither 1 nor 2
(d) Only 2
प्रश्न: चंद्रगुप्त – II के संदर्भ में निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा/से कथन सही है/हैं?
1. शक विजय के सन्दर्भ में सबसे सबल प्रमाण इस नरेश की रजत मुद्रायें हैं।
2. इन मुद्राओं की तौल लगभग 33 ग्रेन हुआ करती थी।
नीचे दिए गए कूट से सही उत्तर का चयन कीजिये:
कूट:
(a) 1 तथा 2 दोनों
(b) केवल 1
(c) न तो 1 न ही 2
(d) केवल 2
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Chandragupta II, a ruler of the Gupta dynasty in ancient India (circa 375–415 CE), issued silver coins that played a significant role in the empire’s monetary system. His reign marked the height of the Gupta Empire’s prosperity, often referred to as a “Golden Age.”
Chandragupta II was the first Gupta king to issue silver coins known as Rupakas. These coins were intended to replace the silver coinage of the Western Kshatrapas also known as Shakas after Chandragupta II defeated them and were modelled on the Kshatrapa coinage.
These coins often depicted Chandragupta II in royal attire on one side, sometimes wielding a bow or a sword, symbolizing his military power. The reverse typically featured deities, such as Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, or Garuda, the mythological bird associated with the Guptas.
The silver coins issued by Chandragupta II, known as Rupakas, typically weighed around 2.1 grams or 32-26 grains.
Source(s):
Written By: Editor