Which of the following statements about the Guptas is NOT true?
(A) They ruled mainly over parts of north and central India
(B) Kingship was hereditary and the throne always went to the eldest son
(C) The judicial system was far more developed than in earlier times
(D) Land taxes increased and taxes on trade and commerce decreased
Answer: (B) Kingship was hereditary. Though succession to the throne was generally decided by the law of primogeniture, that is, the eldest son succeeding his father, there were many exceptions to this rule. Sometimes kings were even elected by nobles and councillors. As head of the government, the King was overseer of all administrative activities of his realm. He was the supreme judge, and he usually led his army to the battlefields.
