Final answer:
The Gupta Empire was smaller than the Maurya Empire. Chandra Gupta II promoted local leadership, and Gupta trade bolstered the economy. Their lasting contributions include advancements in mathematics, science, and architecture.
Step-by-step explanation:
The borders of the Gupta Empire were extensive, but they did not exceed the scope of the earlier Maurya Empire in either the south or the west. The Maurya Empire was larger in terms of geography, extending farther south and encompassing more of the western regions compared to the Gupta Empire. In regard to the leadership style of Chandra Gupta II, he was known for valuing artists and the advancement of arts and sciences, thus he led his people with the support and participation of local leaders. When considering the benefits of trade for the Gupta Empire, trade notably contributed to a strong economy within the empire, fostering a period of prosperity and cultural achievements. Hindus believe that the soul is everlasting, based on religious texts and teachings.
Architectural features from the Gupta Empire show a penchant for buildings filled with sculptures and constructed from stone. There is no specific evidence citing flat roofs or wood as prominent materials or features in Gupta architecture, so these are less likely to be correct answers. On the topic of mathematics, the concepts of zero and the decimal system introduced by Indian mathematicians of the Gupta period greatly simplified calculations, making operations like multiplication and division significantly easier.
The Gupta Empire made significant achievements, including the extraction of metal from ore, performing medical surgeries, calculating the length of the year and the earth's circumference with impressive precision, and estimating the value of pi. These contributions showcase the advanced state of knowledge and intellectual pursuits during the Gupta era. The scientific achievements during the Gupta Empire were profound, especially in the fields of medicine and astronomy, reflecting the broad expertise and innovative spirit of the time.