GUPTA Period (320 - 550 AD)

The Gupta Empire was an ancient Indian empire, founded by Sri Gupta, which existed at its zenith from approximately 320 to 550 CE and covered much of the Indian subcontinent. This period is called the Golden Age of India.

Sources:

• Devichandraguptam and Mudrakshasham Written by Vishakadatta
• Mehrauli Iron pillar Inscription in which achievements of chandragupta I is written.
• Allahabad Iron Pillar Inscription : It is the source for the reign of Samudra gupta, this Inscription was written on Asokan pillar (written in Classical Sanskrit Nagari Script.
• Coins : Provide details about the titles and Sacrifices performed by the Gupta Monarchs.

1. Sri Gupta (240- 280 AD) - Founder of Gupta Empire.

2. Ghatothkacha(280-319 AD)

3. Chandra Gupta I (320 -330 AD) :

• Assumed the title of Maharajadhiraj.
• Married to Kumaradevi(Licchavi Princess)
• Strengthened his Position by Matrimonial Alliances with lichhavis .

4.SamudraGupta(330 -380 AD)

• Son of Chandragupta I
• Famous for his military Campaigns.
• His Dakshinpatha expedition against South Indian Ruler is mentioned in Allahabad pillar Inscription (Samudragupta defeated 12 rulers of south)
• Historian Vincent Smith Described him as Indian Napolean.
• Meghavarman - Ruler Of Sri Lanka sent a missionary to samudragupta for permisiion to build a buddhist temple at bodh gaya.
• He issued gold and silver coins with the legend - Restorer of the ashvamedha.
• Issued Coins Having  Image of himself holding the Veena.
• His court poet - Harisena
• He was follower of Vaishanavism and patron of Buddhism.

5.Chandragupta II (380 - 415 AD)

• Married to Kadamba princess - Kubernaga of central Indian kuntala region (Princess of Naga Lineage)
• Assumed the title OF Vikramaditya.
• He married his daughter Prabhavati to vakataka Prince Rudrasena II
• When the prince died , Prabhavati became the Virtual rule of vakataka.
• She promoted Interests of her father Chandragupta II.
• Chandragupta II Exercised Indirect control over Vakataka KIngdom which helped him in Conquering Malwa and Gujarat Which was under the rule of Saka Kshtapras.
• This conquest gave him Western sea coast.
• Chinese Pilgrim Fa-hsein visited during his reign.
• After Destroying Rudrasimha III , Last ruler of saka satrap, Chandra Gupta II Assumed the Title SAKARI -Destroyer of Sakas.
• Navratna - Nine Jewels Adorned his court.

6.Kumaragupta I (415-455 AD)

• Son  of Chandragupta II - Born from Mahadevi Dhruvasavamini.
• Assumed the Mahendraditya Title.
• Laid the Foundation of Nalanda University.
• Ruled Untill 455 AD.

7.Skandagupta (455 -467 AD)

• Son and successor of Kumaragupta I.
• Assumed the titles of kramaaditya and Vikramaditya.
• Defeated the Pushyamitras- a tribe of central india who rebelled.
• Huna Invasion -Hepthalite tribe who belonged to Central Asia Entered India via Khyber Pass.
• He crushed the Hunas in 455 Ad and saved the Empire.
• Died in 467 AD.

GUPTA ADMINISTRATION 

• Sandivigraha : High official mentioned in inscriptions - Minister of foriegn affairs.
• Class Of Official were called Kumara-amatyas and ayuktas.
• Provinces of Gupta empire were called bhukti.
• Provincial governers were called Uparika.
• Bhuktis were Subdivided into Vishyas(Districts)- Governed by Vishyapatis
• Nagara shreshtis - Officer Looking after City administration.
• Villages were Under control of Gramika.
• The Great Jain Council held at Valabhi  during the Gupta period in 453 or 466 AD.
• In this Council Jain Divided into two Sects : Swetambaras and Digambaras.
• Swetabaras: who wear White Clothes
• Digambaras : Naked .

LITRETURE

• Kalidasa - Shakuntala or Abhijanashakuntalam, Malvikagnimitra, Vikramorvasiya.
• Epics : Raghuvamsa, kumarsambhava
• Lyrics(poem) : Meghadootam , Ritusamhara
• Viasakadatta: 
• Dramas : Mudrakshasham and Devichandraguptam
• Panchtantra stories written by Vishnusharma.
• Sudraka Poet Composed a Book Mrichchakatika (full of Humour).
• Buddhist Author - Amarsimha - compiled a Lexicon Amarkosa.
• Mahabharat and Ramayana completed in this period
• Dandin was Author of Kavyadarsa and Dasakumaracharita.
• Kiratarjuniya(sankrit kavya) - Story of conflict b/w Arjuna and Shiva - Written by Bharavi.

SCIENCE :

• Aryabhata Wrote Book Aryabhatiya in 499 AD, which explains scientifically the occurence of solar and lunar Eclipse.
• Varahamira Composed Pancha Siddhanta ( Five Astronomical System).
• His Work - Brihadsamhita - Great work in Sanskrit Litreture.
• Vagbhata - Author of Ashtangasangraha- Summary of 8 branches of Medicine.

ART AND ARCHITECTURE:

• Temple of Deogarh in Jhansi.
• Bhitari Monolithic pillar Of Skandagupta.
• Delhi Iron Pillar is still Free from Rust.
• Gigantic Copper Statue - found at Sultanganj , Now kept at birgimhum Mueseum.
• Bagh Caves Near Gwalior.
• Ajanta Paintings Illustrtate the Life Of Buddha.