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Class 7 Social Science Chapter 7 Question Answer The Gupta Era An Age of Tireless Creativity
NCERT Class 7 Social Science Chapter 7 The Gupta Era An Age of Tireless Creativity Questions and Answers Solutions
The Gupta Era An Age of Tireless Creativity Class 7 Question Answer (In-Text)
The Big Question (NCERT Page No. 145)
Question 1.
Who were the Guptas? Why is the Gupta period sometimes called the ‘classical age’ in Indian history?
Answer:
The Guptas were a powerful dynasty that ruled Northern India from the 4th to 6th century CE. Gupta period is sometimes called classical age in Indian history because it was a time of great progress in art, literature, science and culture.
Question 2.
What was happening in the rest of the subcontinent at this time?
Answer:
While the Guptas ruled the North, other regions of the subcontinent were ruled by different kingdoms. In the South, powerful dynasties like the Pallavas and Chalukyas were rising, contributing to art, architecture and trade.
Question 3.
Who were some great figures of this period and why do their stories matter today?
Answer:
Some great figures of this period include Kalidasa who was a famous poet and playwriter and Aryabhata, who was a brilliant mathematician and astronomer. Their stories matter today because their work laid the foundation for Indian literature and science, that continues to inspire learning and creativity around the world.
Think About It (NCERT Page No. 150)
Question 4.
Why do you think kings chose to proclaim their achievements in the form of inscriptions?
Answer:
Kings chose to proclaim their achievements in the form of inscriptions because they were a permanent way to record and display their power and victories. Inscriptions were carved on stone or metal and placed in public places so that people could see and remember the king’s glory for a long time.
Let’s Explore (NCERT Page No. 151)
Question 5.
In the Grade 6 chapter ‘Timeline and Sources of History’, we listed multiple sources that help us understand the past. Compile a list of the sources we have referred to so far in the chapter. What did we learn from each source?
Answer:
Sources of History we have read in this chapter are
- Inscription It tells about kings, victories and events.
- Coins They give clues about rulers, trade and economy.
- Monuments It shows art, culture and architecture of particular period
Let’s Explore (NCERT Page No. 155)
Question 6.
Observe the painting of Prabhavati Gupta sitting in her court. Take note of the details – her attire, posture, the people around her and the setting of the court. What do these elements tell you about her life, role and the time she lived in? Discuss your observations in groups and share your insights with the class.
Answer:
The painting of Prabhavati Gupta in her court reflects her role as a regent ruler of the Vakataka kingdom.
- Her royal attire symbolises power, while her confident posture signifies authority.
- The courtiers highlight her governance, diplomacy and cultural patronage, showing the influence of the Gupta and Vakataka dynasties in her time.
Let’s Explore (NCERT Page No. 159)
Question 7.
Let’s join Bhavisha and Dhruv with their time machine in the time of the Guptas. You are getting an opportunity to meet Aryabhata and Varahamihira what would you ask them? Divide the class into two groups and create a series of questions for an interview with them.
Answer:
If given the chance to meet Aryabhata and Varahmihira, I would ask the following questions
- What inspired your mathematical discoveries?
- What challenges did you face in proving your ideas?
- How did you develop your theories on planetary motion?
Let’s Explore (NCERT Page No. 160)
Question 8.
Take a close look at the samples of Gupta sculptures shown in Fig. A and Fig. B. By looking at the attributes, can you guess which deities are depicted here? Write your observations in the space provided and share your thoughts during the class discussion!
Answer:
The sculptures in figure showcase Gupta-era artistry which is depicting Hindu deities. The deities depicted in figure are,
- The figure A is with a trident and crescent moon may depict Shiva.
- The figure B shows a conch, discus, mace and lotus likely represents Vishnu.
Class 7 SST Chapter 7 The Gupta Era An Age of Tireless Creativity Question Answer (Exercise)
Question and Activities (NCERT Page No. 165-166)
Question 1.
Imagine you receive a letter from someone living in the Gupta Empire. The letter starts like this ‘Greetings from Pataliputra! Life here is vibrant and full of excitement. Just yesterday, I witnessed Complete the letter with a short paragraph (250-300 words) describing life in the Gupta Empire
Answer:
Greetings from Pataliputra
Life here is vibrant and full of excitement. Just yesterday, I witnessed a grand procession in honor of our beloved King Chandragupta II. The streets were filled with music, dance, and colorful decorations. Scholars from faraway lands visited our city to study at the famous Nalanda university. I often see students discussing astronomy and mathematics—Aryabhata himself is said to be writing a book on stars and numbers!
Temples and stupas are being built with beautiful carvings, and our artists are truly talented. I visited a theatre last week where a play by the great poet Kalidasa was performed. His words are magical! Trade is also flourishing. Merchants from distant lands like Rome and China come to buy silk, spices and fine metalwork. Our markets are full of activity, with stalls selling jewelry, pottery and cloth.
Life here feels peaceful and rich in knowledge and culture. People respect each other’s beliefs and our festivals are celebrated with joy. I feel lucky to be living in such a golden time, where learning, art and prosperity shine in every corner of the Gupta Empire. Warm regards, A citizen of Pataliputra
Question 2.
Which Gupta ruler was also known as the ‘Vikramaditya’?
Answer:
Chandragupta II of the Gupta dynasty, was also known as Vikramaditya.
Question 3.
Periods of peace support the development of various aspects of socio-cultural life, literature and the development of science and technology.’ Examine this statement in the light of the Gupta empire.
Answer:
This statement is true when we look at the Gupta. Empire because gupta period saw a long period of peace and stability.
- This peaceful environment helped literature, art and learning to grow.
- Kalidasa wrote beautiful poems and plays in Sanskrit during this time.
- Aryabhata made important discoveries in mathematics and astronomy.
- Centres of learning like Nalanda became famous.
Question 4.
Match the two columns
| List I | List II |
| A. Kanchipuram | 1. Known for vibrant cave paintings that depict the jataka tales. |
| B. Ujjayini | 2. Famous for rock-cut caves featuring intricate carvings of Hindu deities, especially Vishnu |
| C. Udayagiri | 3. Capital of the Guptas |
| D. Ajanta | 4. Known as ‘a city of a thousand temples’. |
| E. Pataliputra | 5. A prominent centre of learning in ancient India. |
Answer:
| List I | List II |
| A. Kanchipuram | 4. Known as ‘a city of a thousand temples’. |
| B. Ujjayini | 5. A prominent centre of learning in ancient India. |
| C. Udayagiri | 2. Famous for rock-cut caves featuring intricate carvings of Hindu deities, especially Vishnu |
| D. Ajanta | 1. Known for vibrant cave paintings that depict the jataka tales. |
| E. Pataliputra | 3. Capital of the Guptas |
Question 5.
Who were the Pallavas and where did they rule?
Answer:
The Pallavas were a powerful South Indian dynasty who ruled present day parts of Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Their capital was Kanchipuram and they are known for their contributions to art, architecture and temple building.