The invasion of the Gupta Empire by the Alchon Huns (ca. 480-500 CE) How did these developments affect the Gupta Empire?

Question

The invasions helped to increase the government's power and control over its people, resulting in a long period of peace.

The invasions disrupted trade and reduced tax revenue for the government, resulting in economic decline and the collapse of the empire.

The invasions allowed the empire to expand into new territory, leading to the spread of the empire's culture to new lands.

The invasions enabled the empire to gain control of new resources and access new markets for trade, leading to economic growth.

Answer 1

The invasions of the Gupta Empire by the Alchon Huns around 480-500 CE had significant effects, primarily resulting in economic decline and disruption. The most accurate statement regarding these developments is:

The invasions disrupted trade and reduced tax revenue for the government, resulting in economic decline and the collapse of the empire.

The Alchon Huns' incursions into Gupta territory led to increased instability and challenges for the Gupta rulers. As trade routes became unsafe and agricultural production was affected due to warfare, the economic foundation of the Gupta Empire weakened. This decline in trade and tax revenue contributed to the overall fragmentation and eventual collapse of the once-prosperous empire, marking the end of a period of relative peace and cultural flourishing known as the Golden Age of the Guptas.

While there may have been some opportunities for expansion or resource acquisition in specific contexts, the overall impact of the invasions was overwhelmingly negative for the Gupta Empire.