What was the primary political situation in India for many centuries after the fall of the Gupta Empire?

A single, powerful empire controlled the entire subcontinent.

The land was divided into many smaller, competing kingdoms.

All of India was conquered by invaders from Central Asia.

A peaceful alliance of states was formed to promote trade.

A key result of the Gupta Empire's collapse was the loss of a single, unifying government. This led directly to what outcome?

The creation of many smaller, rival territories and kingdoms.

The immediate unification of India under a new foreign dynasty.

The complete end of all sea trade in the Indian Ocean.

The rapid decline of all major cities in northern India.

By isolating itself from all other regions and foreign contact

Through controlling maritime trade and maintaining a strong army

By focusing only on farming and completely ignoring military matters

By forming a peaceful, unified government with all of its neighbors

Forming alliances with northern kingdoms

Its control over important sea trade routes in the Indian Ocean

The construction of a large wall to keep out invaders

Its exclusive focus on agricultural production