Gupta Geography and Economy

Gupta Period Facts: Saurashtra and Forced Labour

Saurashtra was a vital part of the Gupta empire after its conquest by Chandragupta II. Other key features of the period included the rise of forced labor (Vishti) and expansion along the Ganges as noted in the Puranas.

Primary Reference: NCERT Class XII - Themes in Indian History Part 1

Archived: 2017

Updated: 28 May 2026

Exam Year

2017

Evidence Source

Link ↗

Which one of the following statements about the Gupta period is not correct?

[CAPF 2017]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

Historical verification requires cross-referencing inscriptions, literary texts (Puranas), and archaeological records to confirm the geographic and social reach of an empire.

Authentic Source Evidence

Statement D is incorrect. Saurashtra was indeed a part of the Gupta empire. Chandragupta II famously defeated the Saka ruler Rudrasimha III and annexed the Western Satrap territories, including Gujarat (Saurashtra).

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Vishti (Option A): Inscriptions verify that forced labor was increasingly used as a form of tax during the Gupta era.

Logic 2: Vishnu Purana (Option B): This text confirms the early Gupta stronghold along the Ganges and at Prayaga.

Logic 3: Mehrauli Inscription (Option C): This iron pillar records 'Chandra' (Chandragupta II) defeating enemies in Bengal and the Vahlikas in the Punjab region.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"Which Gupta ruler added Saurashtra to the empire?"

Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) added Saurashtra after defeating the last of the Western Satraps.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The inclusion of Saurashtra was a turning point for the Guptas, giving them control over the lucrative Arabian Sea trade."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Saurashtra 3 Vishti 3