CDS 2016 (I)

Ancient Indian Arts and Crafts

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Which one among the following statements about the coins of the Gupta rulers is correct?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept Gupta coinage successfully combined royal propaganda with religious symbolism, creating a sophisticated visual language for imperial power.

Explanation Gupta coins typically featured the King's portrait (performing various acts) on the obverse and a deity or sacred motif on the reverse. Legends were written in the Brahmi script.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Option C is correct; the obverse showed kings as archers, musicians, or lion-slayers.
Logic 2: The reverse featured Indian deities like Lakshmi, Durga, or Saraswati, or motifs like the lotus or tree.
Logic 3: Options A, B, and D are incorrect as they imply exclusive use of dates or portraits on both sides, which was not the standard practice.

Active Recall

Question

What do the 'Lyrist' coins of Samudragupta reveal about him?

Answer

They show the king playing the Veena (lute), highlighting his personal accomplishments as a musician and poet beyond his military conquests.

Core Insight

The transition to exclusively Indian deities on Gupta coins marked a significant break from the Greek and Iranian influence seen in Kushan coinage.