Gupta Empire (319–540 CE)
Overview
| Gupta Empire Overview | 'Classical Age' or 'Golden Age' of ancient India. Decentralised quasi-feudal administration supported by land grants. Flourishing Sanskrit literature, science, astronomy, and Nagara temple architecture. State religion: Vaishnavism. |
1. Imperial Gupta Rulers & Navaratnas
| Imperial Rulers | Chandragupta I (319–335 CE): Maharajadhiraja, Gupta Era (319 CE), gold coins. Samudragupta (335–380 CE): "Napoleon of India", Prayag Prashasti (Harisena), Kaviraja. Chandragupta II 'Vikramaditya' (380–414 CE): Defeated Shakas, silver coins, Mehrauli Iron Pillar, Fa-Hien visit. Kumaragupta I: Founded Nalanda University. Skandagupta: Repelled Hunas (Bhitari pillar). |
| Navaratnas of Chandragupta II | Kalidasa (Poet/playwright), Amarasimha (Amarakosha lexicon), Dhanvantari (Medicine, Navanitakam), Varahamihira (Astronomy, Brihat Samhita), Vararuchi (Grammar). |
2. Administration & Economy
| Decentralised Governance | Provinces (Bhukti - Uparika), Districts (Vishaya - Vishayapati), Village (Grama - Gramika/Mahattara). Urban board (Adhishthana Adhikarana): Nagara Sresthin, Sarthavaha, Prathama-Kulika, Prathama-Kayastha. High officers: Kumaramatyas, Sandhivigrahika (War/Peace). |
| Land & Taxes | Largest number of gold coins (Dinaras). Land: Kshetra (cultivable), Khila (waste), Vastu (habitable). Taxes: Bhaga (1/6th produce), Bhoga (perishables), Bali (tribute), Hiranya (cash), Vishti (forced unpaid labour). |
3. Society, Literature & Science
| Social Conditions & Sati | Rise of sub-castes (Jatis); untouchability pronounced (Chandalas). Pre-puberty marriage; first dated epigraphic evidence of Sati at Eran Inscription (510 CE). |
| Literature & Science | Kalidasa (Shakuntalam, Meghadutam); Sudraka (Mrichchhakatikam); Vishakhadatta (Mudrarakshasa); Vishnu Sharma (Panchatantra). Aryabhata (Pi, Earth rotation); Brahmagupta (Zero rules). |
| Architecture & Art | Early Nagara structural temples: Deogarh Dasavatara Temple (stone), Bhitargaon Temple (brick), Tigawa. Sarnath Seated Buddha sculpture; Ajanta & Bagh cave frescoes. |
UPSC High-Yield Recall & Exam Traps
| Eran Inscription 510 CE | First dated epigraphic evidence of Sati. |
| Bhitari Pillar Inscription | Details Skandagupta's repelling of Huna invaders. |
| Nalanda University Founder | Kumaragupta I (Mahendraditya) in 5th century CE. |
| First Silver Coins | Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) issued the first Gupta silver coins after defeating Shakas. |
Supplemental Asset Directory
- Varaha Chandragupta II:
- Deogarh Vishnu Avatars:
- Tigawa Gupta Temple:
