Ancient Chapters

1. Harappan Indus Civilization2. Vedic Culture3. Mahajanapada Period4. Religious Movements (Ancient)5. Maurya Period6. Post Maurya Pre Gupta Period7. The Sangam Period8. Gupta Period9. Post Gupta Period Vardhana Dynasty

The Gupta Period (c. 319 – 550 CE)

“Known as the Golden Age of India for its achievements in science, literature, art, and administration.”

Introduction

  • The Gupta Empire was founded by **Sri Gupta** around the beginning of the 4th century CE.
  • The dynasty reached its peak under **Chandragupta I**, **Samudragupta**, and **Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya)**.
  • This period is regarded as the **Golden Age** of India due to peace, prosperity, and progress in all spheres.

Important Gupta Rulers

  • Chandragupta I (c. 319–335 CE): Assumed the title of Maharajadhiraja; began Gupta Era in 319–320 CE.
  • Samudragupta (c. 335–375 CE): Known as the **Napoleon of India**; described in the **Allahabad Pillar Inscription** by court poet **Harishena**.
  • Chandragupta II (c. 375–415 CE): Took the title **Vikramaditya**, expanded the empire, and had **Kalidasa** in his court.

Administration, Economy, and Society

  • Administration: Decentralized with provinces (Bhuktis), districts (Vishayas), and villages.
  • Economy: Prosperous due to agriculture, trade, and flourishing cities. Gold coins (Dinaras) were issued.
  • Society: Varna system became rigid. Position of women declined.
  • Religion: Revival of Brahmanism. However, **Buddhism** and **Jainism** also flourished.

Cultural and Scientific Achievements

  • Literature: Kalidasa wrote **Abhijnanasakuntalam**, **Meghadutam**, and **Raghuvamsha**.
  • Science:
    • **Aryabhata** – Author of *Aryabhatiya*, introduced the concept of zero and rotation of Earth.
    • **Varahamihira** – Wrote *Brihat Samhita*, covering astronomy and astrology.
  • Art & Architecture: Ajanta caves, Dashavatara temple (Deogarh), and beautiful sculptures flourished.
  • Education: Nalanda University gained fame during this period.

Decline of the Gupta Empire

  • After **Skandagupta**, the empire weakened due to internal conflict and invasions by the **Hunas**.
  • By the mid-6th century, the empire fragmented into smaller kingdoms.

Previous Year Questions

  • SSC CGL 2019: Who is known as the Napoleon of India?
  • Samudragupta
  • RRB NTPC 2020: Who wrote the Allahabad Pillar Inscription?
  • Harishena
  • SSC JE 2018: Which Gupta ruler took the title Vikramaditya?
  • Chandragupta II
  • HSSC 2021: Who was the author of Aryabhatiya?
  • Aryabhata
  • SSC GD 2022: Nalanda University was prominent during which period?
  • Gupta Period
  • SSC CHSL 2020: What was the capital of Gupta Empire?
  • Pataliputra
  • RRB ALP 2018: Who was known for military campaigns and issuing gold coins?
  • Samudragupta
  • SSC MTS 2021: Name a famous Sanskrit poet of the Gupta era.
  • Kalidasa
  • SSC CGL 2021: Which mathematician mentioned zero and the value of pi?
  • Aryabhata
  • UPSC NDA 2020: Who authored Meghadutam?
  • Kalidasa
  • SSC JE 2022: What contributed to the fall of the Gupta Empire?
  • Huna invasions
  • RRB Group D 2019: Which Gupta ruler faced the Hunas?
  • Skandagupta
StartPreparation