Cross-Curricular Link: English

Q. Briefly explain the role of Harshvardhan as a great patron of literature and learning.

Ans. King Harshvardhan was a great patron of literature and learning. He used to give liberal
grants to scholars and educational institutions like Nalanda, Kashi, Vallabh and Vikramshala
universities. For this grant he had reserved one fourth of the state income. During his reign
Sanskrit language and literature flourished along with other branches of knowledge such as
astronomy, metaphysics, grammar, logic etc.

Critical Thinking:

Samudragupta is called as the ‘Napoleon of India’. Give reason.

Ans. Samudragupta is considered to be one of the greatest military geniuses in Indian history
because he never knew defeat. The dazzling campaigns and the organizational skills of
Samudragupta has led Dr. Smith to describe him as the “Napoleon of India’. His court poet
Harisena described his conquest, his Deccan campaign, he defeated the nine kings of
Aryavarta and it was engraved on Allahabad Pillar inscription. Samudragupta, through his
conquests expanded the territory of the Gupta Empire to a vast extent, both in northern and
southern India.

Extension Task:

Write a brief note about the Nine Gems (Navratnas) in the court of Chandragupta II

Chandragupta II was known for his deep interest in art and culture and nine
gems or Navaratnam adorned his court. Chandragupta II was known for his profound
enthusiasm for art and culture and nine jewels or Navaratnam embellished his court. The nine
Ratnam is as per the following: Amarsimha, Dhanvantri, Harisena, Kalidas, Kahapanaka,
Sanku, Varahamihira, Vararuchi, Vetalbhatta.