NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Social Science Chapter 7 The Gupta Era An Age of Tireless Creativity help students understand the rich history of the Gupta period in a simple and clear way.
These solutions explain key concepts such as the achievements of rulers like Samudragupta and Chandragupta II, the contributions of scholars like Aryabhata and Varahamihira, and the flourishing of art, literatur, and science.
By providing step-by-step answers to in-text questions and activities they make it easier for students to grasp complex topics, remember important facts and prepare effectively for exams. These solutions also encourage students to think critically about society, culture and governance during the Gupta era helping them connect historical knowledge with real-world understanding.
The Gupta period (4th–6th century CE) is often called the Golden Age of India due to remarkable progress in art, literature, science, and administration. The Gupta dynasty founded by Sri Gupta became powerful under Chandragupta I and reached its peak under Samudragupta and Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya).
Key Highlights:
Samudragupta expanded the empire through military conquests; Chandragupta II maintained stability and promoted culture.
Society was prosperous and well-organized. Farmers paid taxes, trade thrived, cities were developed and social welfare like healthcare and charity existed.
Sanskrit literature flourished with writers like Kalidasa. Learning and scholarship advanced with mathematicians and astronomers like Aryabhata and Varahamihira.
Beautiful temples, cave paintings like Ajanta and sculptures reflected creativity and religious devotion.
Kings recorded achievements through inscriptions and coins showcasing their power, generosity, and culture.
Women like Prabhavati Gupta played important roles in politics and governance.
By going through these Class 7 Social Science Chapter 7 Question Answer students can understand the key events, personalities and achievements of the Gupta period. Using these questions and answers students can revise important topics quickly strengthen their understanding and prepare effectively for exams.
The Big Questions? (Page 145)
Question 1. Who were the Guptas? Why is the Gupta period sometimes called the ‘classical age’ in Indian history?
Answer:
The Guptas were a powerful dynasty that ruled northern India from the 4th to the 6th century CE, founded by Sri Gupta and reaching its peak under Chandragupta I, Samudragupta, and Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya). The period is called the Classical Age because of great achievements in art, architecture, literature, science and mathematics.
Sanskrit literature thrived with writers like Kalidasa, while scholars like Aryabhata and Varahamihira made important scientific discoveries. Beautiful temples and cave paintings, such as those at Ajanta, were created making this era a golden age of culture and knowledge.
Question 2. What was happening in the rest of the subcontinent at this time?
Answer:
While the Guptas ruled most of northern India, other parts of the subcontinent had their own regional powers. In Southern India dynasties such as the Pallavas and Chalukyas were rising and became known for their contributions to art and architecture, especially the construction of stone temples. In the Deccan region earlier dynasties like the Satavahanas had previously held power, while the eastern regions were controlled by local kingdoms and tribal communities.
Trade was flourishing during this period, with India engaging in commerce with China, Southeast Asia, and the Roman Empire, which helped spread Indian culture beyond the subcontinent. Thus although the Gupta Empire unified northern India and promoted cultural and intellectual growth other regions were also developing independently, enriching the overall diversity and heritage of India.
Question 3. Who were some great figures of this period and why do their stories matter today?
Answer:
The Gupta period had many remarkable figures whose contributions shaped Indian history and culture. Samudragupta, known for his military skills, expanded the Gupta Empire greatly and earned the title Napoleon of India. His achievements are recorded in the Prayag Prashasti, a court inscription that provides detailed insights into his reign. Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) was a wise and powerful ruler who promoted art, literature and culture making his period one of great prosperity.
Kalidasa, one of the greatest Sanskrit poets and playwrights, wrote masterpieces like Abhijnanasakuntalam, which are still celebrated today for their literary brilliance. Aryabhata a renowned mathematician and astronomer, introduced the concept of zero, explained the Earth rotation, and made significant contributions to arithmetic, algebra, and astronomy.
Varahamihira was another great scholar who wrote extensively on astronomy, astrology and other sciences.
The stories of these individuals matter today because they highlight the intellectual and cultural achievements of ancient India, inspire pride in Indian heritage, and show the lasting impact of India’s contributions to science, literature and the arts.
II. Let’s Explore
Question 1. Why do you think kings chose to proclaim their achievements in the form of inscriptions? (Page 150)
Answer:
Kings chose to record their achievements in the form of inscriptions for several important reasons. Inscriptions carved on stone or metal were long-lasting and could not be easily erased, making them permanent records of a king’s accomplishments for future generations.
By placing inscriptions in temples, pillars and public places, kings could publicly display their strength, victories and generosity which helped them gain respect and loyalty from their subjects. Inscriptions were also used to justify their rule explain their divine right to kingship and promote their image as powerful and righteous rulers.
Since these inscriptions were often placed across different regions, they served as a way to communicate royal orders, achievements and donations to people even in distant provinces.
Inscriptions recorded contributions to temples, schools and religious institutions, which highlighted the king as a patron of religion and culture and earned goodwill from both the public and priests.
III. Think About it
Question 1. In the Grade 6 chapter “Timeline and Sources of History’, we listed multiple sources that help us understand the past. Compile a list of the sources we have referred to so far in the chapter. What did we learn from each source? (Page 151)
Answer:
To understand the past historians use various sources of history.
Coins of the Gupta period show rulers and important symbols. For example, gold coins depict King Chandragupta I and his wife on one side and goddess Lakshmi on the other. Coins of Samudragupta show him playing the veena which gives insights into art culture and royal authority.
Inscriptions on pillars provide information about the achievements of kings. The Iron Pillar in Delhi praises Chandragupta I, while the Prayag Prashasti at Prayagraj celebrates Samudragupta military conquests and accomplishments. These inscriptions help us learn about administration, victories and royal life.
Texts like the Vishnu Purana describe the extent and history of the Gupta dynasty. Literary sources help us understand political history, culture, and social life of the time.
Question 2. Read the excerpt from Faxian and identify the key features of the society he describes. Write down your observations and compare your notes with your friends-you might be surprised to see how differently others interpret the same text! (Page 153)
Answer:
According to Faxian, Gupta society was peaceful, prosperous and well-organized. People were numerous and happy, suggesting a content and stable society with minimal government interference, as households did not need to register or constantly report to officials. Farmers working on royal land paid a portion of their grain as tax showing a structured agrarian economy.
The king guards and attendants received salaries, indicating an organized administration and military. Cities in the Gangetic plains were rich well-planned and maintained, reflecting urban development. Merchants and Vaishya families established charitable houses and medical centers showing social responsibility and organized healthcare for the poor, orphans and sick.
Doctors treated patients and food and medicine were provided to the needy, highlighting advanced welfare practices. The presence of foreign merchants and beautiful homes points to active trade and a wealthy cosmopolitan society. Overall Faxian account presents the Gupta period as a time of prosperity charity strong civic management and flourishing trade and culture.
Question 3. Prabhavati Gupta sitting in her court. Take note of the details—her attire, posture, the people around her, and the setting of the court. What do these elements tell you about her life, role, and the time she lived in? Discuss your observations in groups and share your insights with the class. (Page 155)
Answer:
Prabhavati Gupta is shown wearing rich clothing and elaborate jewelry, indicating her royal status and wealth. Her confident posture on a throne or elevated seat reflects authority, respect and leadership qualities. The attendants and ministers around her, positioned lower, show that she was a respected ruler or regent, and the court setting with pillars and decorations highlights the grandeur and organization of the Gupta administration.
These details suggest that she played a politically significant role, possibly ruling after her husband’s death, at a time when royal women could exercise power. The painting reflects the prosperity, cultural richness and strong governance of the Gupta era, showing that women could hold influence in politics and that the period was marked by art, administration, and a well-structured court system.
Students can download the Class 7 Social Science Chapter 7 PDF from the link below. This PDF contains detailed answers to all in-text and exercise questions, helping students understand concepts clearly, revise important topics quickly and prepare effectively for exams.
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Here are the Benefits of Using NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Social Science Chapter 7 The Gupta Era An Age of Tireless Creativity.
Helps students clearly understand key rulers, scholars, society and cultural achievements of the Gupta period.
Enables quick revision of important events, dynasties, art, temples, inscriptions, and coins improving exam performance.
Solving in-text and exercise questions familiarizes students with the types of questions commonly asked in exams.
Studying the intellectual, scientific and artistic advancements enhances critical thinking and understanding of historical patterns.
Helps students connect historical events to modern culture and society, building a strong foundation for future studies in history and social science.
Working through exercises, illustrations and examples develops better time management and exam preparation skills.