Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
Which one of the following statements about the Gupta period in Indian history is not correct?
Solution & Analysis
Answer: B
Concept
While the Gupta period excelled in art and science, it also saw a consolidation of rigid social hierarchies and a decline in the public status of women.Explanation
Statement B is incorrect. In reality, the status of women declined during the Gupta era. They were generally assigned secondary roles, faced restrictions on education and rituals, and rarely held property rights (except for *Stridhana*). Child marriage also began to become more prevalent.Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Sanskrit literature (Option A) certainly reached its zenith under Gupta patronage.
Logic 2: The granting of lands (Option C and D) did lead to administrative decentralization and the early stages of feudalism.
Logic 3: The 'Golden Age' label primarily applies to cultural and scientific achievements, not to social equality or the status of women.