Handout On Gupta and Post Gupta Age

Gupta Age: A Short Notes
 The Gupta Age, spanning from the early 4th to the late 6th century CE, is often referred
to as the Golden Age of Ancient India due to its remarkable achievements in various
fields.
 Under the rule of the Gupta dynasty, India witnessed unprecedented progress in art,
architecture, literature, science, philosophy, and administration.
Chronology of Gupta Rulers:
1. Chandragupta I (319 CE – 330/335 CE)
 Considered the actual founder of the Gupta Dynasty.
 Married the Licchavi princess Kumardevi, expanding Gupta influence in North

Bihar.
 Issued gold coins bearing figures of Kumardevi and himself, known as

Kumaradevi Coins.
2. Samudragupta (335 CE – 375/380 CE)
 Son of Chandragupta I, known for his military conquests.
 Conquered eight kings of Aryavarta (northern India) and liberated 12 kings of

Dakshinapatha (south India).
 Performed the Ashwamedha Yajna and issued coins depicting his military
exploits and musical talents.
 Often referred to as the "Napoleon of India" for his military prowess and
extensive conquests.
 Allahabad pillar inscriptions called him “Dharma Prachar Bandhu”.
3. Chandragupta II (380 CE – 414 CE)
 Defeated the Sakas in the western region and ruled from Ujjain with the title
of Vikramaditya.
 Married Kubernaga of the Naga family and issued silver coins bearing lion
figures.
 Patronized scholars like Kalidasa and Amarsinha, attracting renowned

personalities to his court.
4. Kumaragupta I (414 CE – 455 CE)
 Known for performing the Ashwamedha Yajna and assuming titles like
Ashwamedha-Mahendra and Mahendraditya.
 Devotee of Shiva, issued coins bearing the figure of peacock, symbolic of Lord
Kartikeya.
 During his reign, Nalanda University was established, marking a significant

milestone in education.
5. Skandagupta (455 CE – 467 CE)
 Fought bravely against the Hunas on the north-western frontier.
 Recorded victory over Pushyamitra in the Bhitari Pillar inscription.
 Undertook the repair of Sudarshan Lake, as mentioned in the Junagadh

inscription.
Socio-Economic Condition:
 Under Gupta rule, society became feudalistic, with Brahmins and feudal chiefs
receiving land grants.
 The position of women and Shudras improved, with both allowed to participate in
religious activities and advised to worship Krishna.
 Craftsmen produced a variety of utility and luxury items, contributing to the growth of
art and crafts.
Administration:
 The Gupta administration was characterized by provincial units like Bhukti and
Vishaya, headed by Uparika and Vishayapati respectively.
 Important administrative offices included Mahanandanayaka (Justice Delivery) and

Dutakas (Associated with Gifts and Grants).
Economy:
 Agriculture, trade, commerce, and crafts flourished under Gupta rule.
 Land was categorized into cultivated and uncultivated, with influential landowner
classes emerging.
 Craftsmanship led to the formation of caste-based guilds known as 'jaatis',

specializing in specific crafts.
Religion and Society:
 Different religious sects coexisted peacefully, with kings patronizing temples

dedicated to Vishnu or Shiva.
 Religious texts like Puranas, Mahabharata, and Ramayana expanded during this
period.
 Social practices like Sati and child marriage emerged, though with regional variations
and not universal acceptance.
Art and Architecture:
 The Gupta period witnessed remarkable advancements in art and architecture.
 The Ajanta and Bagh schools of art flourished, producing exquisite cave paintings and
sculptures.
 Temple construction gained prominence, with notable examples like the Dashavatar
Temple in Jhansi and the Parvati Temple in Nachnakuthara.
Literature and Scholarship:
Author Notable Works
Abhijnanshakuntalam, Vikramorvasiyam, Malavikagnimitra,

Kumārasambhava, Raghuvansham, Meghadootam, Ritusamhara,
Kalidasa Jyotirvidabharana
Kamandaka Nitisara
Vishakhadatta Mudrarakshas, Devichandraguptam
Gunadhya Brihatkatha
Sudraka Mrichhakatikam
Varahamihir Panchasiddhantika (Brihatsamhita most notable)
Susrut Susrutsamhita on surgery
Vagabhata Ashtanghridaya
Dhanavantari Ayurveda
Amar Singh Amarkosh
Aryabhatt Aryabhattiyam, Suryasidhanta
Brahmagupta Brahmasphutasiddhanta
Bhasa Svapanavasaydattam
Factors Contributing to the Fall of Gupta Empire:
1. Invasion of Hunas from Central Asia:
 Hunas, strong horsemen from Central Asia, invaded Gupta territories,

weakening the empire.
2. Rise of Feudatories:
 Governors and feudatories in Bengal region tended to assert independence,

undermining central authority.
3. Decline in Foreign Trade:
 After Skandagupta, Gupta coins and inscriptions became scarce in western

Malwa and Saurashtra, impacting revenue from sea trade.
4. Land Grants:
 Increasing land grants for religious purposes reduced resources available for
maintaining a large army, weakening Gupta military strength.
Vakataka Dynasty - Rulers and Contributions:
Ruler Period Contributions
250-270 Founder of the Vakataka dynasty; expanded territory and

Vindhyashakti AD established Vakataka rule.
Most important king; expanded empire; established

270-330 matrimonial alliances with Guptas, Vishnukundins, and
Pravarasena I AD Kadambas.
385-405 Played significant role during Vakataka-Gupta age; mother

Prabhavatigupta AD of two kings.
Post-Gupta Age: A Short Notes
Maitrakas - Rulers and Contributions:
475-776 Founded Maitraka dynasty; established independent rule in

Bhatarka AD Gujarat and Saurashtra.
Shiladitya Expanded Maitraka influence; ruled over regions of Malwa and

I - Rajasthan.
Pushyabhutis of Thanesar - Rulers and Contributions:
500-647
Pushyabhuti AD Founded the dynasty; rose to power after Gupta decline.
Prabhakara Defeated Hunas and established capital at Thanesar; allied

Vardhana - with Maukharis; father of Harshavardhana.
Harshavardhan, the Last Great Ruler of Pushyabhuti
 Harsha, also known as Harshavardhana, born around 590 CE into the Pushyabhuti
dynasty.
 Succeeded his brother as the ruler of Thaneshwar at age 16.
 Emerged as a significant figure following the decline of the Gupta Empire.
1. Administration and Governance
 Modeled administration akin to Gupta Empire, emphasizing welfare and just

rule.
 Abolished slavery and ensured freedom for his subjects.
 Constructed rest houses for the poor and maintained a relatively self-
sufficient economy with minimal taxation.
2. Military and Feudal Structure
 Maintained a formidable military force, comprising cavalry, infantry, and

elephants.
 Operated on a feudal economic system with independent rulers

('Mahasamantas') providing military support and tribute.
3. Patronage of Art and Education
 Harsha was a patron of art and learning.

 Authored Sanskrit plays and allocated significant revenue to patronize
scholars.
 Supported institutions like Nalanda University, fostering intellectual exchange

and learning.
4. Society and Religion
 Witnessed persistence of caste system and decline in women's status.
 Initially adhered to Shaivism but later embraced Mahayana Buddhism while

promoting religious tolerance.
 Organized religious assemblies and ceremonies to propagate Buddhism and

foster interfaith dialogue.
5. Decline and Legacy
 Harsha's death in 647 CE led to the collapse of his empire.
 Left no heirs, leading to the fragmentation of the Vardhana dynasty.

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Gupta Age: A Short Notes

Chronology of Gupta Rulers:

1. Chandragupta I (319 CE – 330/335 CE)

 Considered the actual founder of the Gupta Dynasty.

 Married the Licchavi princess Kumardevi, expanding Gupta influence in North

 Issued gold coins bearing figures of Kumardevi and himself, known as

2. Samudragupta (335 CE – 375/380 CE)

 Son of Chandragupta I, known for his military conquests.

 Conquered eight kings of Aryavarta (northern India) and liberated 12 kings of

 Allahabad pillar inscriptions called him “Dharma Prachar Bandhu”.

3. Chandragupta II (380 CE – 414 CE)

 Patronized scholars like Kalidasa and Amarsinha, attracting renowned

4. Kumaragupta I (414 CE – 455 CE)

 During his reign, Nalanda University was established, marking a significant

 Fought bravely against the Hunas on the north-western frontier.

 Recorded victory over Pushyamitra in the Bhitari Pillar inscription.

 Undertook the repair of Sudarshan Lake, as mentioned in the Junagadh

 Important administrative offices included Mahanandanayaka (Justice Delivery) and

 Agriculture, trade, commerce, and crafts flourished under Gupta rule.

 Craftsmanship led to the formation of caste-based guilds known as 'jaatis',

Religion and Society:

 Different religious sects coexisted peacefully, with kings patronizing temples

Art and Architecture:

 The Gupta period witnessed remarkable advancements in art and architecture.

Author Notable Works

Abhijnanshakuntalam, Vikramorvasiyam, Malavikagnimitra,

Vishakhadatta Mudrarakshas, Devichandraguptam

Varahamihir Panchasiddhantika (Brihatsamhita most notable)

Susrut Susrutsamhita on surgery

Amar Singh Amarkosh

Aryabhatt Aryabhattiyam, Suryasidhanta

Factors Contributing to the Fall of Gupta Empire:

1. Invasion of Hunas from Central Asia:

 Hunas, strong horsemen from Central Asia, invaded Gupta territories,

 Governors and feudatories in Bengal region tended to assert independence,

3. Decline in Foreign Trade:

 After Skandagupta, Gupta coins and inscriptions became scarce in western

Ruler Period Contributions

250-270 Founder of the Vakataka dynasty; expanded territory and

Most important king; expanded empire; established

385-405 Played significant role during Vakataka-Gupta age; mother

Ruler Period Contributions

475-776 Founded Maitraka dynasty; established independent rule in

Shiladitya Expanded Maitraka influence; ruled over regions of Malwa and

Pushyabhutis of Thanesar - Rulers and Contributions:

Ruler Period Contributions

Prabhakara Defeated Hunas and established capital at Thanesar; allied

Harshavardhan, the Last Great Ruler of Pushyabhuti

1. Administration and Governance

 Modeled administration akin to Gupta Empire, emphasizing welfare and just

 Abolished slavery and ensured freedom for his subjects.

2. Military and Feudal Structure

 Maintained a formidable military force, comprising cavalry, infantry, and

 Operated on a feudal economic system with independent rulers

3. Patronage of Art and Education

 Harsha was a patron of art and learning.

 Supported institutions like Nalanda University, fostering intellectual exchange

4. Society and Religion

 Witnessed persistence of caste system and decline in women's status.