Prelims 2020 · Ancient History · Question 62
With reference to the period of Gupta dynasty in ancient India, the towns Ghantasala, Kadura and Chaul were well known as
Answer
ports handling foreign trade
- (a) Ports handling foreign trade — Correct. Ghantasala (Andhra coast), Kadura/Kadurah, and Chaul (west coast, near present Maharashtra) are noted in Gupta-period trade networks as ports/emporia linked to overseas commerce.
- (b) Capitals of powerful kingdoms — Incorrect. These places are not known in Gupta history as major imperial or regional capitals.
- (c) Places of exquisite stone art and architecture — Incorrect. They are not primarily identified with Gupta-period stone art centres like Udayagiri, Sarnath, or Deogarh.
- (d) Important Buddhist pilgrimage centres — Incorrect. Famous Buddhist pilgrimage centres were places like Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar, etc., not these towns.
Answer: (a) ports handling foreign trade.