# The Gupta Era: An Age of Tireless Creativity

## Overview
This chapter explores the golden period of Indian history under the Gupta Empire. It covers key rulers, territorial expansion, societal conditions, scientific and literary achievements, and the flourishing of art and trade. The chapter also discusses contemporary kingdoms like the Pallavas, Vakatakas, and Kamarupa.

## Key Topics Covered

### 1. Rise of the Gupta Empire
- The Gupta Empire emerged after the decline of the Kushanas by the 3rd century CE.
- Chandragupta I laid the foundation of the empire; Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) brought it to its peak.
- Pataliputra was the capital, and the empire spread across north, central, and parts of eastern and western India.

### 2. Notable Rulers and Inscriptions
- **Samudragupta**: Known for military conquests and cultural patronage; praised in the Prayaga Prashasti by court poet Harisena.
- **Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya)**: Famous for supporting art, metallurgy (e.g., the Iron Pillar), and diplomacy.
- **Iron Pillar in Delhi**: Constructed during Chandragupta II’s reign; renowned for its rust-resistant ironwork.

### 3. Administration and Governance
- Gupta rulers adopted grand titles like *Maharajadhiraja* and *Chakravartin*.
- Used inscriptions, land grants (engraved on copper plates), and alliances (like Prabhavati Gupta’s marriage to a Vakataka prince).
- Empire divided into provinces with decentralised control.

### 4. Society and Culture
- **Faxian’s Account**: Describes peace, prosperity, care for the poor, charity by Vaishyas, and urban cleanliness.
- **Social Inequality**: Chanḍālas (outcastes) were treated harshly and lived outside city limits.

### 5. Science, Mathematics, and Literature
- **Āryabhaṭa**: Pioneered astronomical models, calculated the length of the year, proposed Earth’s rotation, and explained eclipses.
- **Varāhamihira**: Wrote *Bṛihat Samhitā*, covering astronomy, architecture, weather, and more.
- **Kālidāsa**: Classical Sanskrit poet known for *Meghadūtam* and other plays and poetry.
- **Ayurveda**: Charaka Saṃhitā and Suśruta Saṃhitā were codified during this time, emphasising holistic medicine.

### 6. Art and Architecture
- Gupta art known for high aesthetic standards.
- Ajanta caves (paintings and Buddhist stūpas), Udayagiri caves (Hindu carvings), and temples like the one at Deogarh are major contributions.
- Sculptures of deities like Vishnu, Ganga, and Yamuna highlight artistic sophistication.

### 7. Economy and Trade
- Revenue sources: land tax, trade duties, fines, irrigation fees.
- Indian Ocean trade connected India to the Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and China.
- Socotra island shows archaeological evidence of Indian traders.

### 8. Decline and Regional Kingdoms
- Decline began in the 6th century CE due to Hūṇa invasions and internal strife.
- Other important kingdoms during this period:
- **Pallavas** in the south (Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh); patrons of Śhiva temples and ghaṭikās (learning centres).
- **Kāmarūpa** in the northeast (Assam, Bengal); associated with ancient texts like the *Mahābhārata*.

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## New Terms and Their Meanings

| Term | Meaning |
|--------------------|---------|
| Prashasti | A eulogy or praise inscription, often for a ruler. |
| Vikramaditya | A title adopted by Chandragupta II, meaning “Sun of Valour.” |
| Maharajadhiraja | Title meaning “King of Great Kings.” |
| Chandala | A social group considered outside the varṇa system; treated as outcastes. |
| Regent | A person who governs temporarily on behalf of a monarch. |
| Codified | Organised and written in a systematic manner. |
| Vihāra | A Buddhist monastery. |
| Stūpa | A dome-shaped structure containing Buddhist relics. |
| Tributary Kings | Local rulers who accepted the authority of a larger empire and paid tribute. |
| Iron Pillar | A rust-resistant column from Gupta times, showcasing metallurgical skill. |


## Practice Questions

### Easy (3 Questions)

**1. Who was known as Vikramaditya during the Gupta period?**
**Answer**: Chandragupta II
**Explanation**: He adopted the title Vikramaditya and was known for military success and cultural patronage.

**2. What is the Iron Pillar of Delhi famous for?**
**Answer**: It does not rust even after centuries.
**Explanation**: The pillar showcases ancient India's advanced metallurgy.

**3. Name one famous literary work of Kālidāsa.**
**Answer**: Meghadūtam
**Explanation**: This poetic work tells the story of a yakṣha sending a message to his beloved through a cloud.

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### Medium (2 Questions)

**4. What kind of tax system did the Gupta Empire rely on?**
**Answer**: Land tax was the main revenue source.
**Explanation**: The empire collected taxes on land, crafts, and trade to fund administration and support the arts.

**5. Which foreign traveller visited India during the Gupta Empire and wrote about Indian society?**
**Answer**: Faxian
**Explanation**: Faxian was a Chinese Buddhist pilgrim whose accounts describe Gupta society and governance.

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### Difficult (3 Questions)

**6. Describe one scientific contribution made by Āryabhaṭa.**
**Answer**: He proposed that the Earth spins on its axis, explaining day and night.
**Explanation**: Āryabhaṭa was a pioneer in astronomy and also calculated the length of a year with great accuracy.

**7. What does the Prayāga Praśasti tell us about Samudragupta?**
**Answer**: It praises his military conquests and his goal to unify the Earth.
**Explanation**: Composed by his court poet Harisena, the inscription details Samudragupta’s victories and virtues.

**8. How did Prabhāvatī Gupta contribute to the Gupta-Vākāṭaka alliance?**
**Answer**: Through her marriage and regency, she ensured close ties between the two kingdoms.
**Explanation**: As a regent queen and mother of future Vākāṭaka kings, she upheld political stability and temple construction.

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### Very Difficult (2 Questions)

**9. Why is the Gupta period considered the 'classical age' of India?**
**Answer**: Due to advancements in science, art, architecture, literature, and a stable socio-political order.
**Explanation**: This era witnessed intellectual consolidation and flourishing of multiple fields supported by peace.

**10. How did Gupta rulers balance religious patronage across diverse traditions?**
**Answer**: They primarily worshipped Viṣhṇu but also supported Buddhist institutions like Nālandā University.
**Explanation**: Their inclusive approach fostered religious harmony and intellectual development.

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