History of the Estimate of Chandragupta II
The power and glory of Gupta empire reached its peak under
the rule Chandragupta II Vikramaditya. He also contributed to the
general cultural progress of the age and patronized great literary
figures like Kalidasa. He promoted artistic activity. Because of the
high level of cultural progress that was achieved during this period,
the Gupta period is generally referred to as a golden age. A detailed
account of the cultural progress in the Gupta age is given below.
Successors of Chandragupta II
Kumaragupta was the son and successor of Chandragupta
II. His reign was marked by general peace and prosperity. He issued
a number of coins and his inscriptions are found all over the Gupta
empire. He also performed an asvamedha sacrifice. Most
importantly, he laid the foundation of the Nalanda University which
emerged an institution of international reputation. At the end of his
reign, a powerful wealthy tribe called the ‘Pushyamitras’ defeated
the Gupta army. A branch of the Huns from Central Asia made
attempts to cross the Hindukush mountains and invade India.
But it was his successor Skandagupta who really faced the
Hun invasion. He fought successfully against the Huns and saved
the empire. This war must have been a great strain on thegovernment’s resources. After Skandagupta’s death, many of his
successors like Purugupta, Narasimhagupta, Buddhagupta and
Baladitya could not save the Gupta empire from the Huns. Ultimately,
the Gupta power totally disappeared due to the Hun invasions and
later by the rise of Yasodharman in Malwa.
Gupta Administration
According inscriptions, the Gupta kings assumed titles like
Paramabhattaraka, Maharajadhiraja, Parameswara, Samrat
and Chakravartin. The king was assisted in his administration by
a council consisting of a chief minister, a Senapati or commanderin-
chief of the army and other important officials. A high official
called Sandivigraha was mentioned in the Gupta inscriptions, most
probably minister for foreign affairs.
The king maintained a close contact with the provincial
administration through a class of officials called Kumaramatyas
and Ayuktas. Provinces in the Gupta Empire were known as Bhuktis
and provincial governors as Uparikas. They were mostly chosen
from among the princes. Bhuktis were subdivided into Vishyas or
districts. They were governed by Vishyapatis. Nagara Sreshtis
were the officers looking after the city administration. The villages
in the district were under the control of Gramikas.
Fahien’s account on the Gupta administration provides useful
information. He characterises the Gupta administration as mild and
benevolent. There were no restrictions on people’s movements and
they enjoyed a large degree of personal freedom. There was no
state interference in the individual’s life. Punishments were not severe.
Imposing a fine was a common punishment. There was no spy system.
The administration was so efficient that the roads were kept safe
for travelers, and there was no fear of thieves. He mentioned that
people were generally prosperous and the crimes were negligible.
Fahien had also appreciated the efficiency of the Guptaadministration as he was able to travel without any fear throughout the Gangetic valley. On the whole the administration was more liberal
than that of the Mauryas.
Social Life
The pre-Gupta period in India witnessed a series of foreign
invasions. Indian society had given way to those foreigners who
had become permanent residents here. But during the Gupta period,
the caste system became rigid. The Brahmins occupied the top ladder
of the society. They were given enormous gifts by the rulers as well
as other wealthy people. The practice of untouchability had slowly
begun during this period. Fahien mentions that Chandalas were
segregated from the society. Their miserable condition was
elaborated by the Chinese traveler. The position of women had also become miserable during the
Gupta period. They were prohibited from studying the religious texts
like the Puranas. The subjection of women to men was thoroughly
regularized. But it was insisted that they should be protected and
generously treated by men. The practice of Swyamvara was given
up and the Manusmriti suggested the early marriage for girls.
In the sphere of religion, Brahmanism reigned supreme during
the Gupta period. It had two branches - Vaishnavism and Saivism.
Most of the Gupta kings were Vaishnavaites. They performed
Aswamedha sacrifices. The worship of images and celebration of
religious festivals with elaborate rituals made these two religions
popular. Religious literature like the Puranas was composed during
this period. The progress of Brahmanism led to the neglect of
Buddhism and Jainism. Fahien refers to the decline of Buddhism in
the Gangetic valley. But a few Buddhist scholars like Vasubandhu
were patronized by Gupta kings. In western and southern India
Jainism flourished. The great Jain Council was held at Valabhi during
this period and the Jain Canon of the Swetambras was writtenArt and Culture
The Gupta period witnessed a tremendous progress in the
field of art, science and literature and on account of this it has been
called “a golden age”. A few scholars even call this period a period
of renaissance. But it should be remembered that there was no dark
period before the Gupta rule. Therefore the cultural progress
witnessed during the Gupta period may be called the culmination of
Indian intellectual activities.
Art and Architecture
In the history of Indian art and architecture, the Gupta period
occupies an important place. Both the Nagara and Dravidian styles
of art evolved during this period. But most of the architecture of this
period had been lost due to foreign invasions
like that of Huns. Yet, the remaining temples,
sculptures and cave paintings provide an
idea about the grandeur of the Gupta art.
The temple at Deogarh near Jhansi
and the sculptures in the temple at Garhwas
near Allahabad remain important specimen
of the Gupta art. There was no influence of
Gandhara style. But the beautiful statue of
standing Buddha at Mathura reveals a little
Greek style. The Buddha statue unearthed
at Saranath was unique piece of Gupta art.
The Bhitari monolithic pillar of Skandagupta
is also remarkable. Metallurgy had also made a wonderful
progress during the Gupta period. The
craftsmen were efficient in the art of casting
metal statues and pillars. The gigantic copperstatue of Buddha, originally found at Sultanganj now kept at
Birmingham museum, was about seven and a half feet height and
nearly a ton weight. The Delhi Iron pillar of the Gupta period is still
free from rust though completely exposed to sun and rain for so
many centuries.
The paintings of the Gupta period are seen at Bagh caves
near Gwalior. The mural paintings of Ajantha mostly illustrate the
life of the Buddha as depicted in the Jataka stories. The paintings at
Sigiriya in Sri Lanka were highly influenced by the Ajantha style.
The Gupta coinage was also remarkable. Samudragupta
issued eight types of gold coins. The legends on them throw much
light on the achievements of that marvelous king. The figures inscribed
on them are illustrative of the skill and greatness of Gupta numismatic
art. Chandragupta II and his successors had also issued gold, silver
and copper coins of different varieties.
Literature
The Sanskrit language became prominent during the Gupta
period. Nagari script had evolved from the Brahmi script. Numerous
works in classical Sanskrit came to be written in the forms of epic,
lyrics, drama and prose. The best of the Sanskrit literature belonged
to the Gupta age. Himself a great poet, Samudragupta patronized a number of
scholars including Harisena. The court of Chandragupta II was
adorned by the celebrated Navratnas. Kalidasa remain the foremost
among them. His master-piece was the Sanskrit drama Shakuntala.
It is considered one among the ‘hundred best books of the world’.
He wrote two other plays - the Malavikagnimitra and
Vikramorvasiya. His two well-known epics are Raghuvamsa and
Kumarasambhava. Ritusamhara and Meghaduta are his two
lyrics.Visakadatta was another celebrated author of this period. He
was the author of two Sanskrit dramas, Mudrarakshasa and
Devichandraguptam. Sudraka was a renowned poet of this age
and his book Mrichchakatika is rich in humour and pathos.
Bharavi’s Kritarjuniya is the story of the conflict between Arjuna
and Siva. Dandin was the author of Kavyadarsa and
Dasakumaracharita. Another important work of this period was
Vasavadatta written by Subhandhu. The Panchatantra stories
were composed by Vishnusarma during the Gupta period. The
Buddhist author Amarasimha compiled a lexicon called Amarakosa.
The Puranas in their present form were composed during this
period. There are eighteen Puranas. The most important among them
are the Bhagavatha, Vishnu, Vayu and Matsya Puranas. The
Mahabharatha and the Ramayana were given final touches and
written in the present form during this period.
Science
The Gupta period witnessed a brilliant activity in the sphere
of mathematics, astronomy, astrology and medicine. Aryabhatta was
a great mathematician and astronomer. He wrote the book
Aryabhatiya in 499 A.D. It deals with mathematics and astronomy.
It explains scientifically the occurrence of solar and lunar eclipses.
Aryabhatta was the first to declare that the earth was spherical in
shape and that it rotates on its own axis. However, these views
were rejected by later astronomers like Varahamihira and Brahmagupta.
Varahamihira composed Pancha Siddhantika, the five
astronomical systems. He was also a great authority on astrology.
His work Brihadsamhita is a great work in Sanskrit literature. It
deals with a variety of subjects like astronomy, astrology, geography,
architecture, weather, animals, marriage and omens. His
Brihadjataka is considered to be a standard work on astrologyIn the field of medicine, Vagbhata lived during this period. He
was the last of the great medical trio of ancient India. The other two
scholars Charaka and Susruta lived before the Gupta age. Vagbhata
was the author Ashtangasamgraha (Summary of the eight branches
of medicine.
So this is all about this thanks for reading.
The power and glory of Gupta empire reached its peak under
the rule Chandragupta II Vikramaditya. He also contributed to the
general cultural progress of the age and patronized great literary
figures like Kalidasa. He promoted artistic activity. Because of the
high level of cultural progress that was achieved during this period,
the Gupta period is generally referred to as a golden age. A detailed
account of the cultural progress in the Gupta age is given below.
Successors of Chandragupta II
Kumaragupta was the son and successor of Chandragupta
II. His reign was marked by general peace and prosperity. He issued
a number of coins and his inscriptions are found all over the Gupta
empire. He also performed an asvamedha sacrifice. Most
importantly, he laid the foundation of the Nalanda University which
emerged an institution of international reputation. At the end of his
reign, a powerful wealthy tribe called the ‘Pushyamitras’ defeated
the Gupta army. A branch of the Huns from Central Asia made
attempts to cross the Hindukush mountains and invade India.
But it was his successor Skandagupta who really faced the
Hun invasion. He fought successfully against the Huns and saved
the empire. This war must have been a great strain on thegovernment’s resources. After Skandagupta’s death, many of his
successors like Purugupta, Narasimhagupta, Buddhagupta and
Baladitya could not save the Gupta empire from the Huns. Ultimately,
the Gupta power totally disappeared due to the Hun invasions and
later by the rise of Yasodharman in Malwa.
Gupta Administration
According inscriptions, the Gupta kings assumed titles like
Paramabhattaraka, Maharajadhiraja, Parameswara, Samrat
and Chakravartin. The king was assisted in his administration by
a council consisting of a chief minister, a Senapati or commanderin-
chief of the army and other important officials. A high official
called Sandivigraha was mentioned in the Gupta inscriptions, most
probably minister for foreign affairs.
The king maintained a close contact with the provincial
administration through a class of officials called Kumaramatyas
and Ayuktas. Provinces in the Gupta Empire were known as Bhuktis
and provincial governors as Uparikas. They were mostly chosen
from among the princes. Bhuktis were subdivided into Vishyas or
districts. They were governed by Vishyapatis. Nagara Sreshtis
were the officers looking after the city administration. The villages
in the district were under the control of Gramikas.
Fahien’s account on the Gupta administration provides useful
information. He characterises the Gupta administration as mild and
benevolent. There were no restrictions on people’s movements and
they enjoyed a large degree of personal freedom. There was no
state interference in the individual’s life. Punishments were not severe.
Imposing a fine was a common punishment. There was no spy system.
The administration was so efficient that the roads were kept safe
for travelers, and there was no fear of thieves. He mentioned that
people were generally prosperous and the crimes were negligible.
Fahien had also appreciated the efficiency of the Guptaadministration as he was able to travel without any fear throughout the Gangetic valley. On the whole the administration was more liberal
than that of the Mauryas.
Social Life
The pre-Gupta period in India witnessed a series of foreign
invasions. Indian society had given way to those foreigners who
had become permanent residents here. But during the Gupta period,
the caste system became rigid. The Brahmins occupied the top ladder
of the society. They were given enormous gifts by the rulers as well
as other wealthy people. The practice of untouchability had slowly
begun during this period. Fahien mentions that Chandalas were
segregated from the society. Their miserable condition was
elaborated by the Chinese traveler. The position of women had also become miserable during the
Gupta period. They were prohibited from studying the religious texts
like the Puranas. The subjection of women to men was thoroughly
regularized. But it was insisted that they should be protected and
generously treated by men. The practice of Swyamvara was given
up and the Manusmriti suggested the early marriage for girls.
In the sphere of religion, Brahmanism reigned supreme during
the Gupta period. It had two branches - Vaishnavism and Saivism.
Most of the Gupta kings were Vaishnavaites. They performed
Aswamedha sacrifices. The worship of images and celebration of
religious festivals with elaborate rituals made these two religions
popular. Religious literature like the Puranas was composed during
this period. The progress of Brahmanism led to the neglect of
Buddhism and Jainism. Fahien refers to the decline of Buddhism in
the Gangetic valley. But a few Buddhist scholars like Vasubandhu
were patronized by Gupta kings. In western and southern India
Jainism flourished. The great Jain Council was held at Valabhi during
this period and the Jain Canon of the Swetambras was writtenArt and Culture
The Gupta period witnessed a tremendous progress in the
field of art, science and literature and on account of this it has been
called “a golden age”. A few scholars even call this period a period
of renaissance. But it should be remembered that there was no dark
period before the Gupta rule. Therefore the cultural progress
witnessed during the Gupta period may be called the culmination of
Indian intellectual activities.
Art and Architecture
In the history of Indian art and architecture, the Gupta period
occupies an important place. Both the Nagara and Dravidian styles
of art evolved during this period. But most of the architecture of this
period had been lost due to foreign invasions
like that of Huns. Yet, the remaining temples,
sculptures and cave paintings provide an
idea about the grandeur of the Gupta art.
The temple at Deogarh near Jhansi
and the sculptures in the temple at Garhwas
near Allahabad remain important specimen
of the Gupta art. There was no influence of
Gandhara style. But the beautiful statue of
standing Buddha at Mathura reveals a little
Greek style. The Buddha statue unearthed
at Saranath was unique piece of Gupta art.
The Bhitari monolithic pillar of Skandagupta
is also remarkable. Metallurgy had also made a wonderful
progress during the Gupta period. The
craftsmen were efficient in the art of casting
metal statues and pillars. The gigantic copperstatue of Buddha, originally found at Sultanganj now kept at
Birmingham museum, was about seven and a half feet height and
nearly a ton weight. The Delhi Iron pillar of the Gupta period is still
free from rust though completely exposed to sun and rain for so
many centuries.
The paintings of the Gupta period are seen at Bagh caves
near Gwalior. The mural paintings of Ajantha mostly illustrate the
life of the Buddha as depicted in the Jataka stories. The paintings at
Sigiriya in Sri Lanka were highly influenced by the Ajantha style.
The Gupta coinage was also remarkable. Samudragupta
issued eight types of gold coins. The legends on them throw much
light on the achievements of that marvelous king. The figures inscribed
on them are illustrative of the skill and greatness of Gupta numismatic
art. Chandragupta II and his successors had also issued gold, silver
and copper coins of different varieties.
Literature
The Sanskrit language became prominent during the Gupta
period. Nagari script had evolved from the Brahmi script. Numerous
works in classical Sanskrit came to be written in the forms of epic,
lyrics, drama and prose. The best of the Sanskrit literature belonged
to the Gupta age. Himself a great poet, Samudragupta patronized a number of
scholars including Harisena. The court of Chandragupta II was
adorned by the celebrated Navratnas. Kalidasa remain the foremost
among them. His master-piece was the Sanskrit drama Shakuntala.
It is considered one among the ‘hundred best books of the world’.
He wrote two other plays - the Malavikagnimitra and
Vikramorvasiya. His two well-known epics are Raghuvamsa and
Kumarasambhava. Ritusamhara and Meghaduta are his two
lyrics.Visakadatta was another celebrated author of this period. He
was the author of two Sanskrit dramas, Mudrarakshasa and
Devichandraguptam. Sudraka was a renowned poet of this age
and his book Mrichchakatika is rich in humour and pathos.
Bharavi’s Kritarjuniya is the story of the conflict between Arjuna
and Siva. Dandin was the author of Kavyadarsa and
Dasakumaracharita. Another important work of this period was
Vasavadatta written by Subhandhu. The Panchatantra stories
were composed by Vishnusarma during the Gupta period. The
Buddhist author Amarasimha compiled a lexicon called Amarakosa.
The Puranas in their present form were composed during this
period. There are eighteen Puranas. The most important among them
are the Bhagavatha, Vishnu, Vayu and Matsya Puranas. The
Mahabharatha and the Ramayana were given final touches and
written in the present form during this period.
Science
The Gupta period witnessed a brilliant activity in the sphere
of mathematics, astronomy, astrology and medicine. Aryabhatta was
a great mathematician and astronomer. He wrote the book
Aryabhatiya in 499 A.D. It deals with mathematics and astronomy.
It explains scientifically the occurrence of solar and lunar eclipses.
Aryabhatta was the first to declare that the earth was spherical in
shape and that it rotates on its own axis. However, these views
were rejected by later astronomers like Varahamihira and Brahmagupta.
Varahamihira composed Pancha Siddhantika, the five
astronomical systems. He was also a great authority on astrology.
His work Brihadsamhita is a great work in Sanskrit literature. It
deals with a variety of subjects like astronomy, astrology, geography,
architecture, weather, animals, marriage and omens. His
Brihadjataka is considered to be a standard work on astrologyIn the field of medicine, Vagbhata lived during this period. He
was the last of the great medical trio of ancient India. The other two
scholars Charaka and Susruta lived before the Gupta age. Vagbhata
was the author Ashtangasamgraha (Summary of the eight branches
of medicine.
So this is all about this thanks for reading.
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