QUESTION 12
GS1
15 marks
Discuss the main contributions of Gupta period and Chola period to Indian heritage and culture.
WRITE IN
11 min
250 words
What the examiner wants
Discuss the main contributions of both the Gupta and Chola periods to Indian art, literature, science and administration.
DiscussExplain the different sides of the issue, use evidence, and finish with a balanced view.
Demand-wise check
- 1Gupta: temple architecture, Sanskrit literature, science and mathematics, coinage≈65 words
- 2Chola: Dravidian temples, bronze sculpture, local self-government, maritime reach≈65 words
- 3Their combined legacy≈65 words
Open in about 30 words and close in about 30.
Answer plan
IntroGupta contributionsChola contributionsComparison and legacyConclusion
Where marks usually go
- Writing much more on one dynasty than the other
- Mixing up Gupta and Chola temple styles
Draw this
- Two-column table: field → Gupta → Chola
Value addition
- ExampleGupta era: Aryabhata's Aryabhatiya, Kalidasa's works and the Dashavatara temple at Deogarh.NCERT Themes in Indian History
- ExampleChola era: Brihadeeswara temple at Thanjavur and Uttaramerur inscriptions on village assembly elections.Great Living Chola Temples, UNESCO
Mapped topper copies
Reviewed public-source references related to this PYQ. Same-syllabus references are labelled separately.
- Akansh Dhull · AIR 3 · Page 23 ↗Reviewed PYQ reference
- Ritika Chitlangia · Page 22 ↗Reviewed PYQ reference
- Abhishek Singh · Page 21 ↗Reviewed PYQ reference
- Ajay R Raj · AIR 109 · Page 5 ↗Same syllabus reference
Links open original public sources. MainsBuddy does not host these answer sheets.
Next: plan for one minute, write it in 11 minutes, then get it checked.