Question 64 from UPSC CSE 2020 - ANCIENT INDIA

Question

With reference to the period of Gupta dynasty in ancient India, the towns Ghantasala, Kadura, and Chaul were well known as

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Correct Option: A. ports handling foreign trade

Strategy: Identify Ghantasala, Kadura, and Chaul as ancient port towns, not capitals, religious centers, or places famous for stone art. Their recurring mention in texts and the question's focus on Gupta period trade indicate their significance in maritime commerce, making 'ports handling foreign trade' the most accurate choice.

Key Info: Ghantasala, Kadura, and Chaul were historic port towns active during the time of the Gupta dynasty (circa 4th-6th century CE).

- **Ghantasala** -- Located in present-day Andhra Pradesh, it was a prominent eastern port, notable for its links to Roman and Southeast Asian trade, as well as for its Buddhist remains.
- **Kadura** -- Sometimes identified with Kotturu or locations along the Andhra coast, Kadura was another bustling port in eastern Deccan, mentioned in various ancient records as a hub for mercantile activity, especially trading with regions beyond India.
- **Chaul** -- Situated on the western coast near modern Maharashtra, Chaul was an important emporium for Indian and foreign merchants. It continued to be a commercial center into the medieval period and was known for trade in textiles, horses, and spices.

During and after the Gupta period, India's maritime trade flourished with commercial exchanges established with the Roman Empire, Egyptian, Persian, Arabian, Southeast Asian, and Chinese regions. The western ports, including Chaul, and eastern ports, such as Ghantasala and Kadura, were key conduits for exporting ivory, spices, textiles, beads, and precious stones, and for importing gold, silver, wine, glass, and horses.

None of the three towns are known as major capitals, centers of Buddhist pilgrimage, or exclusively famed for their stone art; instead, their fame rests on their ancient role in the subcontinent's international maritime trade networks.

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Option B: capitals of powerful kingdoms

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Option C: places of exquisite stone art and architecture

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Option D: important Buddhist pilgrimage centres