Question

UPSC Prelims 2020 Question:

With reference to the period of Gupta dynasty in ancient India, the towns Ghantasala, Kadura and Chaul were well known as

  1. 1. ports handling foreign trade
  2. 2. capitals of powerful kingdoms
  3. 3. places of exquisite stone art and architecture
  4. 4. important Buddhist pilgrimage centres

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1: ports handling foreign trade

Detailed Solution

Explanation: 

  • During the Gupta era, the east coast ports of Tamralipti, Ghantasala, and Kadura handled north-Indian trade with south-east Asia, while the west coast ports of Broach, Chaul, Kalyan, and Cambray traded with the Mediterranean and west Asia.

  • They handled the export of spices, pepper, sandalwood, pearls, precious stones, perfumes, indigo, and herbs. The imports included Chinese silk, ivory and horses.

Therefore, option (1) is the correct answer.

Subject: History | Gupta Age

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