Notes Chapter 7 Class 7 Social Science

The Gupta Era: An Age of Tireless Creativity

Introduction

• Overview: The Gupta Era (3rd to 6th century CE) is considered a “Golden Age” or “Classical Age” in Indian history due to its remarkable achievements in art, science, literature, architecture, and governance.
• Context: The chapter uses a storytelling approach where two characters, Dhruv and Bhavisha, travel through time using a device called Itihāsa to explore the Gupta period and its significance.
• Quote: The chapter begins with a quote from Kālidāsa’s Raghuvanśham: “Neither force nor mere diplomacy can eliminate evil; nor is righteousness upheld by flattery alone. It is wisdom and knowledge that truly strengthen a kingdom—not indulgence in luxuries.” This highlights the importance of wisdom in governance.
• Focus: The chapter explores the Gupta Empire, other contemporary kingdoms, key figures, and the cultural and scientific advancements that shaped this era.

The Gupta Empire

• Time Period: Approximately 3rd to 6th century CE (300–550 CE).
• Capital: Pāṭaliputra (modern-day Patna, Bihar).
• Origin:
  • The Guptas likely originated as regional rulers in present-day Uttar Pradesh.
  • Over time, they expanded their power to form a vast and influential empire.
• Geographical Extent:
  • At its peak, the Gupta Empire covered most of northern, western, central, and eastern India, including regions like Anugaṅga (middle Gangetic basin), Prayāga (Prayagraj), Sāketa (Ayodhya), and Magadha (Bihar).
  • Their influence extended to parts of the east coast, briefly subduing the Pallavas.
• Significance:
  • Known for advancements in art, architecture, literature, science, and metallurgy.
  • The Iron Pillar of Delhi, erected during Chandragupta II’s reign, is a testament to their advanced metallurgical skills. It is over 1,600 years old, weighs 6 tonnes, and remains rust-free due to a unique protective layer formed by the iron and oxygen.

Other Kingdoms During the Gupta Era

While the Guptas ruled in the north, other kingdoms thrived in different regions, contributing to India’s cultural and political diversity:

• Vākāṭakas:
  • Location: Central India (near modern-day Nagpur, Maharashtra).
  • Capital: Nandivardhana.
  • Role: Allies of the Guptas through matrimonial alliances, such as the marriage of Prabhāvatī Gupta to a Vākāṭaka prince.
  • Significance: Supported the Guptas and contributed to art and architecture, including the Ajanta Caves.
• Pallavas:
  • Location: Southern India (parts of modern-day Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh).
  • Capital: Kānchipuram, known as the “city of a thousand temples.”
  • Origin: Emerged as a power after the decline of the Sātavāhana dynasty.
  • Significance:
    • Patrons of art and architecture, known for constructing temples and rock-cut caves.
    • Developed Ghatikās (centers of learning) that fostered education.
    • Ruled until the 9th century CE.
• Kāmarūpa:
  • Location: Northeastern India (modern-day Assam, parts of Bengal, and Bangladesh).
  • Rulers: Varman dynasty.
  • Ancient Name: Prāgjyotiṣha, mentioned in the Rāmāyaṇa and Mahābhārata.
  • Significance:
    • A prominent cultural and political center.
    • Temples and monasteries served as hubs of learning.
    • The Prayāga Prashasti mentions their ruler being defeated by Samudragupta but allowed to continue ruling as a tributary.

Key Gupta Rulers

The Gupta dynasty produced several notable rulers who expanded the empire and promoted cultural growth:

1. Chandragupta I (reigned ~320–335 CE):

Role: Founder of the Gupta Empire.

Achievements:

• Expanded the empire through strategic alliances, such as his marriage to Kumaradevī, a Lichchhavi princess.
• Issued coins featuring himself and Kumaradevī, with the goddess Lakshmi on the reverse.
• Laid the foundation for a strong empire.

Naming Note: Named his son after his grandfather, a tradition still followed in some Indian families.

2. Chandragupta II (Vikramāditya) (reigned ~375–415 CE):

Role: Son of Samudragupta, one of the most renowned Gupta rulers.

Achievements:

• Devotee of Vishnu, with his inscriptions featuring Garuda (Vishnu’s mount).
• Erected the Iron Pillar, originally at Udayagiri caves (Madhya Pradesh), later moved to Mehrauli, Delhi. The pillar’s inscription celebrates his achievements.
• Patronized scholars, poets, and artists, leading to cultural and intellectual growth.
• Strengthened the empire through military campaigns and diplomacy.

3. Prabhāvatī Gupta:

Role: Daughter of Chandragupta II, married to a Vākāṭaka prince.

Achievements:

• Became regent ruler of the Vākāṭaka kingdom after her husband’s early death.
• Maintained strong ties between the Guptas and Vākāṭakas.
• Devotee of Vishnu, associated with building seven temples, including the Kevala Narasimha temple at Ramagiri (Ramtek hill, Maharashtra).
• Her inscription describes her as the “mother of two kings,” referring to her sons who ruled the Vākāṭaka kingdom.

Governance and Administration

• System:
  • The Gupta Empire was divided into provinces for efficient governance.
  • Land grants were given to local rulers, priests, and chieftains, recorded on copper plates to ensure accurate tax collection.
  • This decentralized system allowed local leaders some control while maintaining Gupta authority.
• Titles:
  • Gupta rulers adopted grand titles like Mahārājadhirāja (king of kings), Samrāṭ (emperor), and Chakravartin (universal ruler) to emphasize their supreme authority.
  • These titles distinguished them from earlier rulers who used simpler titles like Rājan or Mahārāja.
• Strategies:
  • Military Conquests: Expanded the empire by defeating rival kings.
  • Diplomacy: Formed alliances, as advised by Kauṭilya’s Saptānga (seven components of a state), including Mitra (allies).
  • Matrimonial Alliances: Strengthened ties with other kingdoms, eEntrepreneurship.g., Prabhāvatī Gupta’s marriage to a Vākāṭaka prince.
  • Tributary System: Allowed defeated kings to rule as tributaries, paying taxes and acknowledging Gupta supremacy.

Economy and Trade

• Revenue Sources:
  • Land Tax: The primary source, collected from farmers as a portion of their grain.
  • Other Taxes: Included fines, taxes on mines, irrigation, trade, and crafts.
• Uses of Revenue:
  • Administration and maintaining the army.
  • Building temples and infrastructure.
  • Supporting scholars, artists, and scientists.
• Trade:
  • Internal Trade: Vibrant markets within the empire facilitated the exchange of goods.
  • External Trade: India traded with the Mediterranean world, Southeast Asia, and China.
  • Exports: Textiles, spices, ivory, and gemstones.
  • Trade Routes: The Indian Ocean trade network connected Indian ports to distant markets.
  • Socotra Island: A key stop in the Arabian Sea, with archaeological evidence (pottery, Brahmi inscriptions, Buddhist stupa designs) showing the presence of Indian traders alongside those from Egypt, Arabia, Rome, and Greece.
  • Cultural Exchange: Trade promoted the exchange of ideas and traditions across regions.

Society in the Gupta Era

• Source: Chinese Buddhist monk Faxian visited India in the early 5th century CE (399–414 CE) and recorded his observations in A Record of Buddhistic Kingdoms.
• Faxian’s Observations:
  • Prosperous Society: People were numerous, happy, and prosperous.
  • Minimal Bureaucracy: No need to register households or deal with officials.
  • Taxation: Farmers paid a portion of their grain as tax.
  • Governance: The king’s guards and attendants received salaries.
  • Urban Life: Cities in the Gangetic plains were wealthy, with beautiful homes and well-maintained lanes.
  • Charity: Vaishya (merchant) families established houses for charity, providing food, medicines, and treatment to the poor, orphans, and sick.
  • Values: People practiced kindness and righteousness.
• Challenges:
  • Faxian noted the harsh treatment of Chanḍālas (outcastes), who were considered outside the Varṇa system and lived outside city limits.
  • This highlights social inequalities despite the overall prosperity.
• Historical Perspective:
  • Faxian’s account reflects his perspective as a Buddhist monk and may focus on certain aspects of society.
  • Historians use multiple sources to corroborate such accounts and avoid biased conclusions.

Why is it Called the Classical Age?

• Peace and Stability: The Gupta period was marked by prolonged peace, which fostered growth in various fields.
• Cultural Achievements:
  • Art and Architecture: Exquisite sculptures (Sarnath, Ajanta, Udayagiri), temples, and caves set high aesthetic standards.
  • Literature: Sanskrit literature flourished with works by poets like Kālidāsa and the compilation of major Purāṇas.
  • Science and Technology: Advancements in mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and metallurgy.
• Patronage:
  • Gupta rulers, especially Chandragupta II, supported scholars, artists, and scientists, enriching their courts.
  • They were inclusive, patronizing Buddhist institutions (e.g., Nālandā University, vihāras) alongside Hindu traditions.
• Knowledge Compilation: Existing knowledge was consolidated into texts, laying the foundation for future advancements.
• Economic Strength: A strong economy allowed the state to fund cultural and intellectual projects.

Great Figures of the Gupta Era

1. Āryabhaṭa (~500 CE):

• Location: Lived in Kusumapura (near Patna), a center of learning.
• Work: Authored Āryabhaṭīya, a treatise on mathematics and astronomy.

Contributions:

• Proposed that the Earth spins on its axis, explaining the alternation of day and night.
• Calculated the length of a year as 365 days, 6 hours, 12 minutes, 30 seconds (close to the modern value of 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes, 45 seconds).
• Provided explanations for solar and lunar eclipses.
• Estimated the size of the Earth.
• Developed techniques for calculations and equation-solving, some still taught in schools today.

Impact: His work influenced scientific advancements in India and beyond.

2. Varāhamihira (~5th–6th century CE):

• Location: Lived in Ujjayinī, a renowned center of learning.
• Work: Authored Bṛihat Samhitā, an encyclopedic text covering astronomy, astrology, weather forecasting, architecture, town planning, and farming.

Contributions:

• Combined observation, logical reasoning, and traditional knowledge.
• His work provided practical guidance for various fields, making him a pioneer in science.
• Impact: His interdisciplinary approach influenced later scholars.

3. Kālidāsa (~4th–5th century CE):

• Background: Little is known about his life; legends suggest he overcame early ridicule to become a celebrated poet.
• Work: Renowned for his Sanskrit poetry and plays.
• Key Work: Meghadūtam (The Cloud Messenger), a poem about a yakṣha (minor deity) sending a message to his beloved through a cloud.
• Describes the landscapes, weather, and emotions of north India.
• Known for its exquisite and refined language.

Impact: His works remain a high point in Sanskrit literature, inspiring poets and writers today.

Advancements in the Gupta Era

1. Art and Architecture:

Ajanta Caves (Maharashtra):

• Rock-cut caves supported by the Guptas and Vākāṭakas.
• Feature vibrant paintings of Jātaka tales and Buddhist themes, such as Bodhisattva Padmapāni.
• Caves replicate temples with central stupas and arched roofs imitating wooden beams.

Udayagiri Caves (Madhya Pradesh):

• Known for intricate carvings of Hindu deities, especially Vishnu.
• Example: Sculptures depicting scenes from the Mahābhārata, like Arjuna and Karṇa in battle.

Sarnath (Uttar Pradesh):

• Famous for exquisite Buddha sculptures that set high aesthetic standards.
• Terracotta Sculptures (Ahichchhatra, western Uttar Pradesh):
• Depict sacred rivers Ganga (on a makara, a mythical crocodile-like creature) and Yamuna (on a tortoise).
• Symbolize water with pots and flowing streams.
• Gupta Art: Known for its beauty and craftsmanship, influencing later Indian art.

2. Literature:

• Sanskrit Literature: Flourished with Kālidāsa’s works and the compilation of major Purāṇas.
• These texts preserved cultural and religious knowledge for future generations.

3. Science and Medicine:

Āyurveda:

• Codified during the Gupta period in texts like Charaka Saṃhitā and Suśhruta Saṃhitā.
• Covered diagnosis, treatment, diet, medicine preparation, and surgical techniques.
• Emphasized holistic healing and the connection between mind, body, and nature.
• Roots date back centuries earlier, but finalized during this period.

Astronomy and Mathematics:

Āryabhaṭa and Varāhamihira made significant contributions, as detailed above.

4. Metallurgy:

• The Iron Pillar demonstrates advanced skills, remaining rust-free due to a protective layer formed by the iron and oxygen.
• Scientists believe the unique composition of the iron and environmental factors contribute to its durability.

Decline of the Gupta Empire

• Time: By the 6th century CE.
• Reasons:
  • External Invasions: Repeated attacks by the Hūṇa tribe from Central Asia weakened the empire’s control over northern India.
  • Internal Conflicts: The rise of powerful regional rulers led to internal divisions and challenges to Gupta authority.
• Impact:
  • The decline marked a turning point in Indian history, leading to the rise of regional powers.
  • The Gupta legacy continued to influence art, science, and governance.

Meanwhile in the South and Northeast

• Pallavas:
  • Origin: Emerged as a tributary power under the Sātavāhanas and gained prominence after their decline.
  • Achievements:
    • Patrons of art and architecture, known for temples and rock-cut caves.
    • Kānchipuram developed as a major center of learning with Ghatikās.
    • Most rulers were devotees of Shiva.
  • Relations with Guptas: Samudragupta defeated a Pallava ruler but allowed them to continue ruling as tributaries.
• Kāmarūpa:
  • Origin: Ruled by the Varman dynasty in the Brahmaputra valley (Prāgjyotiṣha).
  • Cultural Significance:
    • Temples and monasteries were hubs of learning.
    • Mentioned in ancient texts like the Rāmāyaṇa and Mahābhārata, with rulers claiming descent from mythical figures like Bhagadatta.
  • Relations with Guptas: Samudragupta defeated the Kāmarūpa ruler but allowed them to rule as tributaries.

Legacy of the Gupta Era

• Cultural Influence:
  • The Gupta period shaped art, science, literature, and governance for centuries.
  • Temples, sculptures, and Sanskrit literature continue to inspire modern India.
• Scientific Foundations:
  • Advances in mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and metallurgy laid the groundwork for future developments.
• Model of Governance:
  • The stable and prosperous society set a standard for future rulers.
• Enduring Impact:
  • The Gupta legacy remains alive in India’s culture, traditions, and way of life, marking this era as a high point in Indian history.