- After the downfall of Mauryas, many new empires emerged. In 3rd century AD, a new powerful kingdom called the Gupta dynasty emerged.
The Gupta Age:
- The period between 320-540 AD is known as Gupta Age.
- It is also called the golden age of Indian history when rapid development took place in the field of art, architecture, literature, philosophy, trade, science and agriculture.
- The sources of knowing about Guptas are-archaeological and literary sources.
- Archaeological sources of Guptas include the rock-cut temples of Ajanta, Prayaga Prashasti pillar inscription at Allahabad or by court poet Harisena, etc.
- Coins and literary sources from the other source of information. These include gold and silver coins issued by Samudragupta and other rulers and accounts of writers like Fa-Xian. Some other sources are the works of Kalidasa, Raguvansha, Meghadoota and Abhijnana Shakuntalam.
Rulers of Gupta Empire:
- Sri Gupta is supposed to be the founder of the Gupta dynasty.
- The first powerful ruler was Chandragupta I who ascended the throne in 320 AD. His matrimonial alliance with Lichchhavi Princess was a turning point in the history of Gupta empire.
- The next powerful ruler was his son Samudragupta whose glory and conquest is described in the Allahabad pillar inscribed by his court poet, Harisena.
- The next powerful ruler was Chadragupta Vikaramaditya who expanded and strengthened the Gupta empire. He occupied Saka territories Fa-Hien visited India in his rule.
Gupta Administration:
- The central government was headed by a king who was assisted by the ministers.
- The Gupta empire had several Desa or provinces headed by Uparika.
- The lowest level of administration was a district or a group of villages. Each village was headed by Gramadhyksha.
Military System:
- The military system was developed on scientific lives like the Mauryas.
- The Mahasenapatis played an important role in heading the contingents of cavalry and elephants.
- Several other ranks in the army called Mahasandhivigrahika also existed.
Social Conditions:
- The society was divided on the basis of four vamas.
- Butchers and executioners lived in dwellings outside the city.
- The Brahmans received the greatest respect. The Kshatriyas were also held in high esteem because of the power and prestige they enjoyed.
- Slavery was prevalent while joint family system continued to be a feature of Hindu private life.
- Customs of polygamy and sati also started developing.
Science and Technology:
- The study of science made great progress.
- Notable astronomers and mathematicians like Aryabhatta, Varahamihira wrote their works.
- Indian surgeons were well versed in dissection and plastic surgery.
Art and Architecture:
- Temples dedicated to Vishnu, Shiva and Paravati were built.
- Some famous temples include the Dasavtara temple at Jhansi, Vishnu temple at Tigawa, Shiva temple at Bhumara etc.
Paintings:
- The art of painting reached its height.
- The Buddhist caves in Ajanta and Bagh caves at Gwalior belong to this period and represent the excellent of Indian art.
Trade and Religion:
- India had brisk trade relations with west through Persian Gulf and Red Sea.
- Some famous ports were Kalyani, Broach, Kambay and Tamralipti.
- Ship building industry was at its peak.
- Buddhism and Hinduism flourished under the Guptas.
- Donations were made for maintenance of temples.
- Sanskrit language reached its perfection.
- After 468AD Gupta Empire started declining and collapsed by the middle of 6th century AD.
Harshavardhana:
- After the decline of Gupta Empire, many small kingdoms arose. One such kingdom was near Thaneshwara ruled by Vardhana dynasty.
- The greatest ruler of this dynasty was Harshavardhana.
- Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang praised his rule.
- Harshavardhana had tried to cross river Narmada but was defeated by the Chalukyan king, Pulakeshin II.
- He was a follower of Shiva and his administration was efficient.
Southern Kingdoms:
- After the decline of Satavahanas, Chalukyas and Pallavas came into prominence.
- Chalukyas extended from South of Vindhyas till river Krishna. Their most powerful king was Pulakshin II. They had good trade relations with Arabia, Iran and South-East Asia.
- Far deep in the South was the Kingdom of Pallavas who rules in Kanchi. The greatest ruler was Mahendravarman I.
- The South Indian kingdoms had an efficient administration.
- Assemblies were also frequent in Southern kingdom. These included Ur or a village assembly and nagaram which was an organization of merchants.
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