Who among the following Gupta ruler issued gold coins with the lowest percentage of gold?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (D) Vishnugupta

Explanation:
• The Gupta period is known as the 'Golden Age', partly due to the abundance of gold coins (Dinars). However, toward the end of the dynasty, the purity of the gold in these coins declined sharply.
• Vishnugupta (reigned circa 540–550 CE) was the last recognized ruler of the main Gupta line. During his reign, the empire had shrunk to a small part of Magadha and was facing severe economic strain.
• His coins contain the lowest percentage of gold (often less than 50% purity, mixed with alloys) compared to the nearly pure gold coins of Samudragupta or Chandragupta II.
• This debasement of currency is a clear indicator of the economic decline and the political disintegration of the Gupta Empire due to Huna invasions and internal revolts.

Information Booster:
• Skandagupta's coins also showed some debasement due to the cost of fighting the Hunas, but they were still superior to those of the later Guptas.
• The study of coins is called Numismatics.

Additional Knowledge:
• Skandagupta (Option A): Restored the empire's fortunes briefly but the economic strain began during his reign.
• Budhagupta (Option B): One of the last rulers who still maintained a relatively large empire across Northern India.
• Narasimhagupta (Option C): Known for his victory over the Huna chief Mihirakula, but his reign saw continued economic stress.