Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
The silver coins issued by the Guptas were called:
Solution & Analysis
Answer: C
Concept
Numismatics in the Gupta period reflected the empire's economic stability and its political connections with external powers through standardized precious metal coinage.Explanation
The silver coins of the Gupta rulers were known as Rupaka. These coins, weighing approximately 33 grains (around 2 grams), were modeled after the Roman denarius and Sassanian drachma.Logical Breakup
Logic 1: The term 'Rupaka' stems from the Sanskrit word for 'having a form or image'.
Logic 2: While Dinara was the name for the high-quality gold coins of the Guptas, Rupaka was specifically the silver denomination.
Logic 3: Famous rulers like Chandragupta II, Kumaragupta I, and Skandagupta issued these to signify political and economic ties with Western empires.