U.P. Lower Sub. (Spl) (Pre) 2008

Gupta Court Intellectuals

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Who of the following among the Nine Gems of Chandragupta was associated with Astrology?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept The 'Navaratnas' or Nine Gems were a group of exceptional scholars and artists who adorned the court of Vikramaditya (Chandragupta II), representing the peak of Gupta intellectual achievement.

Explanation Kshapanak was the Navaratna associated with Astrology and Astronomy. His primary work is the *Jyothisyashastra*, and he also contributed to lexicography.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Kshapanak provided astrological guidance and recorded celestial movements in the Gupta court.
Logic 2: Vararuchi was a grammarian, Sanku an architect, and Amarsimha the famous lexicographer (creator of *Amarakosha*).
Logic 3: Together with Kalidasa (poet) and Varahamihira (astronomer), they formed a multi-disciplinary royal advisory body.

Active Recall

Question

Who was the most famous poet among the Nine Gems?

Answer

Kalidasa is the most celebrated poet and playwright among the Navaratnas of Chandragupta II.

Core Insight

The tradition of the 'Nine Gems' highlights the Gupta model of kingship, where political power was validated by the patronage of science and the arts.