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Summary
Chapter 6 from the document discusses the Age of the Guptas, a period in Indian history that lasted from the early fourth century AD and is often referred to as the “classical age” or “golden age.” The chapter provides an overview of the political, cultural, and social advancements during the Gupta Empire.
The Gupta Empire, founded by Chandragupta I, expanded through strategic alliances and conquests. His son, Samudragupta, further extended the empire through military campaigns, earning the title “Napoleon of India.” The empire reached its zenith under Chandragupta II, who conquered territories like Malwa, Gujarat, and Saurashtra, enhancing trade and commerce, particularly with Europe. The Gupta rulers were known for their efficient administration, which was decentralized, allowing local kings to maintain control over their regions under the overarching authority of the Gupta emperors.
The period is notable for its cultural achievements, particularly in literature, science, and education. Education was highly valued, with famous centers like Nalanda University attracting students from various countries. The university was renowned for its rigorous admission process and high standards, offering advanced studies in subjects such as the Vedas, logic, grammar, and medicine.
In science, the contributions of scholars like Aryabhatta, who made significant advancements in mathematics and astronomy, are highlighted. His work on the concept of zero, the value of pi, and the causes of eclipses were groundbreaking.
The chapter also covers the Gupta contributions to art and architecture, particularly the construction of temples, like the Vishnu Temple at Deogarh, which is an early example of stone temple architecture in North India. Literature flourished with writers like Kalidasa, whose works in Sanskrit are still celebrated.
Video tutorial
Textbook (Total History) solutions
Multiple-Choice Questions
1. Which of the following is true according to the Chinese traveller, Fa-hien?
A. Though people were prosperous, they led simple lives
B. Though people were poor, they led extravagant lives
C. People were rich and extravagant
D. Though the cities were flourishing, people were poor.
Answer: A. Though people were prosperous, they led simple lives
2. According to Fa-hien, which of the following was a major city in the Gupta empire?
A. Rajagriha
B. Vaishali
C. Patliputra
D. Mathura
Answer: C. Patliputra
3. The Prayaga Prashasti was composed by:
A. Fa-hien, Chandragupta II
B. Harisena, Samudragupta
C. Harisena, Chandragupta II
D. Fa-hien, Chandragupta I
Answer: B. Harisena, Samudragupta
4. Who was the first independent king with the title of ‘Maharajadhiraja’ or ‘the king of kings’?
A. Chandragupta I
B. Chandragupta II
C. Samudragupta
D. Srigupta
Answer: A. Chandragupta I
5. How did Samudragupta, known as the Napoleon of India, rule the southern kingdoms?
A. He kept the kingdoms under his direct control.
B. He allowed the defeated rulers to rule their kingdoms.
C. The defeated rulers paid tribute and attended Samudragupta’s court.
D. All of the above.
Answer: D. All of the above.
6. Which of the following is incorrect?
A. Vikramaditya: Sakari
B. Chandragupta II: Vikramaditya
C. Chandragupta I: Maharajadhiraja
D. Samudragupta: Sakari
Answer: D. Samudragupta: Sakari
7. Who is represented as slaying a lion on some coins with the legend Simha-Vikrama?
A. Chandragupta I
B. Chandragupta II
C. Samudragupta
D. Rudrasena II
Answer: B. Chandragupta II
8. Which of the following is incorrect?
A. Bhukti Uparika
B. Vishaya Vishayapati
C. Vithis Vithipala
D. Janapadas: Purapala
Answer: D. Janapadas: Purapala
Select the correct relationship
1. (A) Fa-hein made careful unbiased observations about conditions during the Gupta period.
(B) According to him, the Gupta Empire was prosperous and governed by enlightened principles.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer: (b) (B) is the reason for (A)
Explanation: Fa-hein’s observations were considered careful and unbiased because they were based on the prosperous and enlightened governance he witnessed during the Gupta period. His positive account of the empire’s prosperity and governance directly influenced his careful observations, making (B) the reason for (A).
2. (A) Samudragupta uprooted the nine rulers of Aryavrata and made their kingdoms a part of his empire.
(B) Samudragupta defeated the twelve rulers of Dakshinapatha and annexed their kingdoms.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer: (d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Explanation: The two statements describe different military campaigns conducted by Samudragupta. The first statement refers to his conquests in Aryavrata, while the second refers to his victories in Dakshinapatha. These actions were part of separate campaigns and do not directly relate to each other, hence the two statements are independent.
3. (A) Unlike the Mauryan Empire, the Gupta administration was decentralised in nature.
(B) Local kings and smaller chiefs ruled a large part of the Gupta empire.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer: (b) (B) is the reason for (A)
Explanation: The decentralised nature of the Gupta administration is evident because local kings and smaller chiefs managed much of the empire’s governance. This delegation of power to local rulers is the reason why the Gupta administration was less centralised compared to the Mauryan Empire.
4. (A) Unlike the earlier phase in history, the Gupta temples were not made of perishable material.
(B) The Gupta period marked the beginning of writing of important works like the Puranas.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer: (d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Explanation: The two statements refer to different aspects of the Gupta period. Statement (A) discusses the construction of temples from durable materials, while statement (B) refers to the literary achievements of the period. Since these two aspects are unrelated, the statements are independent of each other.
Short Answer Questions
1. Who was Fa-hien? What did he say about India?
Answer: Fa-hien was the earliest Chinese pilgrim who visited India during Chandragupta II’s reign. He observed that Magadha was prosperous, with large towns and a wealthy population. Pataliputra had many charitable institutions, including a hospital. People lived simply despite their wealth, following Buddhist rules. Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Buddhism, and Jainism were the main religions, coexisting peacefully. Hindu gods were depicted on coins, sculptures, and paintings. The penal code was mild, with offences usually punished by fines.
2. Who was the ruler when Fa-hien visited India? Name the three places of pilgrimage that Fa-hien visited in India.
Answer: The ruler when Fa-hien visited India was Chandragupta II. The three places of pilgrimage that Fa-hien visited in India were Mathura, Kapilavastu, and Kushinagar.
3. Name two dramas written by Kalidasa.
Answer: The two dramas written by Kalidasa are Vikramorvashiyam and Malavikagnimitram.
4. Why is the Gupta Period known as the Golden Age of Indian culture?
Answer: The Gupta Period is known as the Golden Age of Indian culture because of the high level of civilisation and culture of this period. This era saw the revival of Hinduism and the power of creativity in the fields of education, literature, arts, architecture, and science. The period also witnessed the extension of this influence beyond India’s frontiers, making it a period of great cultural achievements.
5. How was Samudragupta a bold and great conqueror?
Answer: Samudragupta was a bold and great conqueror whose empire stretched from the Brahmaputra to the Yamuna and Chambal, and from the Himalayas to the Narmada. Known as the ‘Napoleon of India,’ he extended his empire by defeating the Naga kings and covering over 3,000 miles during his Deccan campaign. Though he defeated many rulers, he did not annex southern territories but made the kings accept his authority and continue ruling.
6. Name the famous university that existed during the Gupta period. In which present-day state is it?
Answer: The famous university that existed during the Gupta period was Nalanda University. It is located in the present-day state of Bihar.
7. Name any two titles adopted by the Gupta rulers.
Answer: Two titles adopted by the Gupta rulers are Maharajadhiraja and Paramabhattaraka.
8. During the Gupta period name the officer who (i) collected toll tax; and (ii) the one who was in charge of a province or bhukti.
Answer: (i) The officer who collected toll tax during the Gupta period was called Shaulkika.
(ii) The officer in charge of a province or bhukti was called Uparika.
9. Name any two famous literary figures of the Gupta Age.
Answer: Two famous literary figures of the Gupta Age are Kalidasa and Harisena.
10. What contribution did Aryabhatta make in the field of science?
Answer: Aryabhatta made several significant contributions in the field of science. He discovered the rule for finding the area of a triangle and calculated the exact value of pi, which was equal to 3.1416. He explained the exact causes of solar and lunar eclipses in his work Surya Siddhanta. Aryabhatta was also acquainted with the decimal system and the use of ‘zero’.
Structured Questions
1. With reference to the sources of information about the Gupta Age, write short notes on the following:
Answer: (a) Accounts of Fa-hien: Fa-hien, the earliest Chinese pilgrim to visit India, arrived during the reign of Chandragupta II. He visited several places, including Mathura, Kannauj, Kapilavastu, Kushinagar, Vaishali, Pataliputra, Kashi, and Rajagriha. His unbiased observations highlight Magadha as a prosperous region with large towns and a wealthy population. Pataliputra, in particular, was a flourishing city with numerous charitable institutions, including a hospital. The people, though wealthy, led simple lives and generally followed Buddhist conduct. Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Buddhism, and Jainism were the main religions, coexisting peacefully. Hindu deities appeared on coins, sculptures, and paintings. The penal code was mild, with fines as common punishment. Fa-hien’s account suggests that the Gupta Empire was both prosperous and governed with enlightened principles.
(b) The Allahabad Pillar Inscription: The Allahabad Pillar Inscription, also known as Prayaga Prashasti, is one of the important epigraphic evidences of the Imperial Guptas. Composed by Harisena, the court poet of Samudragupta, it is written in praise of Samudragupta, arguably the most powerful of the Gupta rulers. It describes the reign of the Guptas in ancient India. Besides, it provides an impressive list of kings and tribal republics that were conquered by Samudragupta. The inscription is also important because of the political geography of India that it indicates by naming the different kings and peoples who populated India in the first half of the 4th century AD.
(c) Nalanda University: Nalanda University was the most renowned educational institution of ancient India, located in Rajagriha, Bihar. It featured imposing buildings, including at least eight colleges, one built by Balaputradeva, King of Sumatra. According to the Chinese scholar Hiuen Tsang, the university was enclosed by a brick wall and offered extensive facilities, including three great libraries named Ratnasagar, Ratnodadhi, and Ratnaranjak. Over 10,000 students and teachers from Korea, Mongolia, Japan, China, Tibet, Ceylon, and India studied there.
The curriculum included the four Vedas, logic, grammar, medicine, sankhya, yoga, nyaya, and various Buddhist texts. Nalanda was a post-graduate institution with a rigorous entrance exam, admitting only the most brilliant candidates. It thrived until the 12th century when it was destroyed by Mohammad-bin-Bakhtiyar Khilji, a general of Mohammad Ghori. Today, only its remains hint at its former glory.
2. With reference to the Age of the Guptas, answer the following questions:
(a) Explain the extent of Samudragupta’s Empire based on the information given in the Allahabad Pillar Inscription.
Answer: Samudragupta’s empire stretched from the Brahmaputra in the east to the Yamuna and Chambal rivers in the west, and from the Himalayas in the north to the Narmada in the south. His bravery and military prowess earned him the title of the ‘Napoleon of India.’ He expanded his empire by defeating the Naga kings of Mathura, Gwalior, and Ahichhatra. The Allahabad Pillar Inscription details his policies towards four types of rulers:
(1) Nine Aryavarta rulers were defeated and their kingdoms annexed.
(2) Twelve southern rulers, defeated by Samudragupta, were allowed to continue ruling their territories.
(3) Neighboring states like Assam, Coastal Bengal, Nepal, and north-western gana sanghas paid tribute, followed his orders, and attended his court.
(4) Rulers of outlying regions submitted and offered their daughters in marriage.
(b) Explain how Chandragupta II expanded his empire.
Answer: Chandragupta II, also known as Vikramaditya, succeeded his father, Samudragupta. He inherited the military genius of his father and extended the Gupta empire by conquest of his own. He annexed the territories of the Sakas of Malwa, Gujarat, and Saurashtra. For this, he was given the title ‘Sakari’ or conqueror of Sakas. Chandragupta II entered into matrimonial alliances as a part of his foreign policy. He married Kuberanaga of the Naga family. The Nagas were a powerful ruling clan, and this matrimonial alliance helped the Gupta ruler in expanding his empire. The marriage of Chandragupta’s daughter, Prabhavati, with the Vakataka ruler, Rudrasena II, helped him to establish his political influence in the Deccan.
(c) Briefly mention any four observations of Fa-hien about the reign of Chandragupta II.
Answer: Fa-hien made careful, unbiased observations about the conditions at that time. According to Fa-hien’s accounts:
(1) Magadha was a prosperous country with large towns, teeming with wealthy population.
(2) Pataliputra was a flourishing city with numerous charitable institutions, including a hospital endowed by benevolent citizens.
(3) Although the people were wealthy, they led simple lives, generally observing the Buddhist rules of conduct.
(4) Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Buddhism, and Jainism were the main religions. People, however, had no ill-will towards other sects.
3. With reference to the administrative system of the Guptas, answer the following questions:
(a) Explain the position and powers of the king during the Gupta Age.
Answer: Monarchy was the dominant form of government during the Gupta period, with the theory of divine kingship gaining popularity. Gupta kings were often compared to gods such as Yama, Varuna, Indra, and Kubera, and to Vishnu for their role in protecting the people. Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, frequently appeared on Gupta coins. The Gupta kings wielded extensive powers across political, administrative, military, and judicial domains, serving as commanders-in-chief of the army and personally leading their troops, as seen with Samudragupta, Chandragupta II, and Skandagupta. They appointed all governors and key military and civil officers, who operated under the king’s guidance. The central secretariat also functioned under the king’s supervision. The king was the source of all honours and titles, owned all land, and had the authority to grant it, construct infrastructure, offer shelter to foreigners, manage taxes, and dispense justice. Unclaimed property was absorbed into the royal treasury.
(b) Describe briefly the administration of villages during the Gupta period.
Answer: The village administration was managed by the village headman. The Gupta inscriptions refer to the participation of leading local elements in the administration of the village or small towns called vithis. No land transactions could be effected without their consent, and this may have been also true of other important affairs. Thus, while villages in Mauryan times were managed from above, those in the Gupta times seem to have been managed from the grassroot level.
(c) According to the Allahabad Pillar, which kinds of rulers were there? How did Samudragupta deal with them?
Answer: The Allahabad Pillar Inscription of Samudragupta describes four different kinds of rulers:
(1) The nine rulers of Aryavarta were uprooted, and their kingdoms were made a part of Samudragupta’s empire.
(2) The twelve rulers of Dakshinpatha (South India), who surrendered to Samudragupta after being defeated, were liberated and allowed to rule again over their kingdoms.
(3) The inner circle of neighbouring states, including Assam, Coastal Bengal, Nepal, and a number of gana sanghas (organisation of many kings) in the north-west, paid tribute, followed his orders, and attended his court.
(4) The rulers of the outlying areas submitted to him and offered their daughters in marriage.
4. With reference to the picture given alongside, answer the following:
(a) Identify the temple given in the picture. Where is it located? To which God is this temple dedicated?
Answer: The temple given in the picture is the Vishnu Temple, also called the Dashavatara Temple. It is located at Deogarh in Uttar Pradesh. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
(b) Mention the architectural features of this temple.
Answer: The Vishnu temple is a prime example of Gupta architecture and was the first North Indian temple to feature a Shikhara, or tower, though part of it is now missing. The temple was constructed on a 1.5-metre high platform, with four stairways providing access. Its exterior is adorned with scenes from the Ramayana, while the entrance and pillars are richly decorated with paintings and carvings. The front entrance showcases sculptures of various gods and goddesses, with Vishnu flanked by his avatars, Narasimha and Vamana, above them.
Each of the temple’s three sides features a niche with dramatic representations of Vishnu in different forms. One nook depicts Vishnu asleep on the coils of the giant serpent Sheshnaga. Another niche at the back illustrates the concept of Nar Narayana, symbolizing the fusion of the divine and human. The third niche portrays the story of Gajendra Moksha, where Vishnu rescues a trapped elephant, Gaja.
(c) Briefly describe the educational institution set up during this period.
Answer: The most renowned educational institution of the Gupta period was Nalanda University. It was located at Nalanda in Rajagriha in Bihar. The university had imposing buildings with at least eight colleges built by different patrons. It provided various facilities to students for their studies, including three great libraries. The university housed more than 10,000 students and teachers from different parts of India and other countries like Korea, Mongolia, Japan, China, and Tibet. The subjects of study included all the four Vedas, logic, grammar, medicine, Sankhya, yoga, nyaya, and the Buddhist works of different schools. Admission was very difficult, and only the most brilliant students were admitted after a tough examination. The university remained a beacon of learning until its destruction in the 12th century by Mohammad-bin-Bakhtiyar Khilji.
Thinking Skills
1. Imagine a meeting between Fa-hein and Harisena. Write down the discussion between them about religion in the Gupta period. How would they had conversed with each other due to the barrier of language the two had?
Answer: The two individuals might have faced a significant language barrier, as Fa-hein was a Chinese Buddhist monk, while Harisena was an Indian poet and scholar who composed in Sanskrit. The discussion would likely require a translator or intermediary who could understand both Sanskrit and Chinese. Their conversation would revolve around the state of religion during the Gupta period, with Harisena describing the flourishing of Hinduism, the patronage of temples and religious institutions by Gupta rulers, and the coexistence of different religions like Buddhism and Jainism. Fa-hein, on the other hand, would share his observations of Buddhist practices, monasteries, and the conditions of the common people under the Gupta rule. Despite the language barrier, their dialogue would highlight the religious tolerance and cultural exchanges prevalent in the Gupta era.
2. What role did the Gupta Kings play in promoting religion? Do you think that the religion followed by the rulers gained prominence? Give reasons to support your answer.
Answer: The Gupta Kings played a significant role in promoting religion, particularly Hinduism. They supported the construction of temples, the performance of religious rituals, and the patronage of scholars who composed religious texts. The Gupta rulers themselves were devout followers of Hinduism, and their support helped to revive and reinforce the religion during their reign. Yes, the religion followed by the rulers did gain prominence. Hinduism flourished during the Gupta period, as evidenced by the construction of grand temples, the composition of important religious texts like the Puranas, and the promotion of Hindu practices. The Gupta period is often referred to as the “Golden Age” of Hinduism, indicating the strong influence of the religion during this time.
Extra/additional MCQs
1. Which period is known as the Imperial Age of the Guptas?
A. 2nd century AD
B. Early 4th century AD
C. 6th century AD
D. Late 5th century AD
Answer: B. Early 4th century AD
43. What significant Gupta period structure near Delhi has not rusted even after centuries?
A. Qutub Minar
B. Red Fort
C. Iron Pillar
D. Ashoka PillarAnswer: C. Iron Pillar
Extra/additional questions and answers
1. Which period is known as the Imperial Age of the Guptas?
Answer: The period from the early fourth century AD.
32. Discuss the significance of the Prayaga Prashasti (Allahabad Pillar Inscription) as a historical source for understanding the Gupta Empire.
Answer: The Prayaga Prashasti, also known as the Allahabad Pillar Inscription, is one of the most important epigraphic sources for understanding the history and achievements of the Gupta Empire. Composed by Harisena, the court poet of Samudragupta, this inscription offers a detailed account of Samudragupta’s reign, his military conquests, and the extent of his empire. The inscription is remarkable for its literary quality and the grandeur with which it portrays Samudragupta, comparing him to gods like Kubera, Varuna, Indra, and Yama, and highlighting his virtues of compassion, generosity, and military prowess.
The Prayaga Prashasti provides a comprehensive list of the kings and tribal republics that Samudragupta conquered or subdued, offering valuable insights into the political geography of India during the early fourth century AD. It categorizes the rulers into four groups: those who were defeated and whose territories were annexed, those who surrendered and were allowed to rule as vassals, neighboring states that paid tribute and followed Samudragupta’s orders, and outlying rulers who offered their daughters in marriage as a sign of submission. This categorization reflects the diplomatic and strategic acumen of Samudragupta in managing a vast and diverse empire.
The inscription also sheds light on the administrative and military structure of the Gupta Empire. It highlights Samudragupta’s role as a just and benevolent ruler, whose reign was marked by prosperity and stability. The portrayal of Samudragupta as a patron of the arts and a supporter of religious institutions further underscores the cultural and religious vibrancy of the Gupta period.
In addition to its historical content, the Prayaga Prashasti is significant for its literary and artistic merit. The inscription is written in elegant Sanskrit verse, reflecting the high level of literary achievement during the Gupta period. It also serves as a testament to the close relationship between the rulers and the court poets, who played a crucial role in shaping the royal image and preserving the legacy of the Gupta kings.
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