Question

read the following passage, and then answer the question that follows.
the gupta empire witnessed immense prosperity. the political unification of northern india under the gupta administration resulted in cultural exchanges between different parts of the empire. gupta rulers succeeded in restoring peace in the empire, which also played an important role in the growth of culture and the economy. they maintained an administration that allowed people to freely explore new fields to promote their talents. although the guptas encouraged hinduism, they were tolerant toward other religions and faiths too. they also maintained contact with the outside world. in fact, king samudragupta allowed the king of ceylon to construct a monastery in bodh gaya, a region in his empire.
what can be best inferred from this passage about the progress made under gupta rule?
a. the unified government under the guptas caused india to be politically united.
b. the guptas maintained good relations with the outside world to improve trade.
c. the open - minded attitude of the guptas facilitated advances in fields such as art, literature, and architecture.
d. the guptas encouraged all religions in order to establish the security of the people.

Explanation:

• Option A: The passage states northern India was politically unified, not all of India, so this is incorrect.
• Option B: The passage mentions contact with the outside world but does not link it to trade, so this is not inferable.
• Option C: The passage notes the Guptas allowed free exploration of new fields, were religiously tolerant, and had cultural growth; this open-mindedness logically supports advances in cultural fields like art, literature, and architecture.
• Option D: The passage says they encouraged Hinduism and tolerated others, not that they encouraged all religions for security, so this is incorrect.

Answer:

C. The open-minded attitude of the Guptas facilitated advances in fields such as art, literature, and architecture.