The Gupta Empire arose on the ruins of the Kushana Empire and established its control over a large part of the former territories of both the Kushanas and the Satvahanas. The Guptas may have been of Vaishya origin.
The Guptas kept north India politically united for more than a century, from AD 335 to AD 455. Their original kingdom included Uttar Pradesh and Bihar at the end of the 3rd century AD, and their centre of power was probably Prayag.
For exams, this article is important because questions are asked from Srigupta, Chandragupta I, Samudragupta, Chandragupta II, Allahabad Pillar Inscription, Gupta administration, dinaras, feudalism, social development, Nalanda, Ajanta paintings, Kalidasa, Aryabhata and Varahamihira.
Table of Contents
Background of the Gupta Empire
The Guptas rose after the decline of Kushana power. Their empire controlled parts of the earlier Kushana and Satvahana dominions.
- The Guptas may have been of Vaishya origin.
- They kept north India politically united from AD 335 to AD 455.
- Their original kingdom comprised U.P. and Bihar.
- Their centre of power was probably Prayag.
- They were possibly feudatories of the Kushanas in U.P.
- They may have learnt the use of saddle, reins, buttoned coats, trousers and boots from the Kushanas.
Material Advantages of the Guptas
The Guptas enjoyed certain material advantages that helped them build a strong empire.
Main Advantages
- Their centre of operations lay in the fertile lands of Bihar and U.P.
- They could exploit iron from the southern part of Bihar.
- They were close to areas in north India connected with the silk route trade with the Eastern Roman Empire, also called the Byzantine Empire.
- These favourable conditions helped them establish rule over Anuganga, Prayag, Saketa and Magadha.
Anuganga refers to the middle Ganga plain, while Saketa refers to Ayodhya.
Early Gupta Rulers
The early lineage of Gupta rulers includes:
| Ruler | Importance |
|---|---|
| Srigupta | Founder of the dynasty |
| Ghatotkacha | Successor of Srigupta |
| Chandragupta I | First important king of the dynasty |
Chandragupta I, the son of Ghatotkacha, was the first important ruler. He married a Lichchhavi princess, most probably from Nepal. This marriage strengthened his political position.
While Srigupta was the historical founder of the royal line, Chandragupta I is regarded as the first major sovereign emperor.
Samudragupta: AD 335–380
Samudragupta was one of the most powerful Gupta rulers.
Unlike Emperor Ashoka, who pursued a policy of peace and non-aggression, Samudragupta actively expanded his empire through extensive military campaigns.
His court poet Harisena wrote a glowing account of his military achievements.
This account is engraved on the Allahabad Pillar, the same pillar that also carries inscriptions of Ashoka.
Conquests of Samudragupta
The military conquests of Samudragupta are historically categorized into five distinct geographic zones:
- Princes of the Ganga-Yamuna Doab, who were defeated and whose kingdoms were incorporated into the Gupta Empire.
- Rulers of the eastern Himalayas and frontier states such as Nepal, Assam and Bengal.
- Forest kingdoms in the Vindhyas, known as Atavika Rajyas.
- Twelve rulers of the eastern Deccan and South India.
- Shaka and Kushana territories.
Samudragupta and Administration
Samudragupta drew principles from Kautilya’s Arthashastra in his administrative setup.
According to a Chinese source, Meghavarman, the ruler of Sri Lanka, sent a missionary to Samudragupta for permission to build a Buddhist temple at Gaya. Permission was granted, and the temple developed into a huge monastic establishment.
Samudragupta maintained an unbroken military record and is widely termed the ‘Napoleon of India’.
He was also a lute or veena player and a poet.
Chandragupta II: AD 380–412
Chandragupta II was the son of Samudragupta.
He expanded the Gupta Empire through both conquest and marriage alliances.
Main Points About Chandragupta II
- The Mehrauli Iron Pillar describes his victory over the Vangas and the Vahilkas.
- He married his daughter Prabhavati to a Vakataka prince.
- The Vakataka prince belonged to the Brahmana caste and ruled in central India.
- Chandragupta II conquered western Malwa and Gujarat from the Shaka Kshatrapas.
- A king called Chandra is praised in the iron pillar inscription near Qutub Minar in Delhi.
- Chandragupta II adopted the title Vikramaditya after victory over the Shakas of western India.
- His court at Ujjain was adorned by scholars including Kalidasa and Amarasimha.
Nine Luminaries in the Court of Chandragupta II
Nine important personalities connected with the Gupta court.
| Name | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Amarasimha | Wrote Amarkosha, also called Trikanda |
| Harisena | Composed the Prayag Prashasti / Allahabad Pillar Inscription |
| Kalidasa | Poet and playwright |
| Dhanvantri | Great physician |
| Kahapanka | Astrologer |
| Sanku | Architect |
| Varahamihira | Wrote works on astronomy and astrology |
| Vanuruchi | Grammarian and Sanskrit scholar |
| Vetalbhatta | Magician |
Amarasimha
Amarasimha wrote Amarkosha.
It is a book on Sanskrit vocabulary, homonyms and synonyms. It is also known as Trikanda and contains 10,000 words.
Harisena
Harisena was a poet in the Gupta court from the time of Samudragupta.
He composed the Prayag Prashasti, also known as the Allahabad Pillar Inscription.
The inscription has the title of Kavya, but it contains both prose and verse.
Kalidasa
Kalidasa was a poet and playwright.
Works of Kalidasa:
- Abhigyan Shakuntalam
- Kumar Sambhav
- Ritusamhar
- Meghdootam
Varahamihira
Varahamihira wrote three important books:
- Panchasiddhantika
- Brihat Samhita
- Brihat Jataka
Panchasiddhantika is described as a summary of five early astronomical systems.
Brihat Samhita is a compilation of many topics that gives details about the beliefs of the period.
Brihat Jataka is a book on astrology.
Vanuruchi
Vanuruchi was a grammarian and Sanskrit scholar.
He wrote Prakrit Prakash, a book on Prakrit grammar.
System of Administration Under the Guptas
The Gupta kings adopted high-sounding titles such as:
- Parameshvara
- Maharajadhiraja
- Parambhattaraka
Kingship was hereditary, but royal power was limited because there was no firm practice of primogeniture.
The kings maintained a standing army, but it was also supported by forces supplied by feudatories.
Military Features
The military system saw some important changes:
- Horse chariots receded into the background.
- Cavalry came to the forefront.
- Horse archery became prominent in military tactics.
This shows the growing importance of cavalry in Gupta warfare.
Taxes and Forced Labour
During the Gupta period:
- Land taxes increased in number.
- Taxes on trade and commerce decreased.
- Villagers in central and western India were subjected to forced labour called Vishti.
- Vishti was used for serving the royal army and officials.
Judicial System Under the Guptas
The judicial system was more developed under the Guptas than in earlier times.
Several law books were compiled during this period.
For the first time:
- Civil law and criminal law were clearly separated.
- Theft and adultery came under criminal law.
- Property disputes came under civil law.
- Detailed laws were made about inheritance.
- The king tried cases with the help of Brahmana priests.
- Guilds of artisans, merchants and others were governed by their own laws.
Gupta Bureaucracy and Administrative Divisions
The Gupta bureaucracy was not as elaborate as that of the Mauryas.
The most important officers in the Gupta Empire were called Kumaramatyas.
Since the Guptas were possibly Vaishyas, recruitment was not restricted only to the upper varnas.
Administrative Units
| Unit | Officer / Description |
|---|---|
| Bhukti | Province/division under an Uparika |
| Vishaya | District under a Vishayapati |
| Vithi | Subdivision of Vishaya in eastern India |
| Village | Basic local unit |
The empire was divided into Bhuktis, and each Bhukti was placed under an Uparika. Bhuktis were further divided into Vishayas, each under a Vishayapati. In eastern India, Vishayas were divided into Vithis, and Vithis were divided into villages.
Village and Urban Administration
The village headman became more important in Gupta times.
He managed village affairs with the help of elders. No land transaction could take place without their consent.
In urban administration, professional bodies were given considerable importance.
Seals from Vaishali show that:
- Artisans
- Merchants
- Scribes
served on the same corporate body and conducted the affairs of towns.
Artisans and bankers were organized into separate guilds. At Mandasor in Malwa and Indore, silk-weavers maintained their own guilds.
Feudatories and Feudal Developments
A major part of the Gupta Empire was held by feudatory chiefs.
The vassals on the fringe of the empire had three obligations:
- They offered homage to the sovereign by personal attendance at court.
- They paid tribute.
- They presented daughters in marriage.
In return, they received charters to rule their areas.
These charters carried the royal Garuda Seal.
Land Grants and Priestly Landlords
Another important feudal development was the grant of fiscal and administrative concessions to priests and administrators.
Religious functionaries were granted land:
- Free of tax forever
- With authority to collect taxes from peasants
- With rights over revenue that otherwise would have gone to the emperor
In Madhya Pradesh, the striking development of the Gupta period was the rise of priestly landlords at the cost of local peasants.
Gupta Coins and Trade
The Guptas issued the largest number of gold coins in ancient India.
These gold coins were called dinaras in their inscriptions.
Features of Gupta Gold Coins
- Regular in size and weight
- Found in many types and sub-types
- Show Gupta kings and their love for war and art
- Not as pure in gold content as Kushana coins
After conquering Gujarat, the Guptas also issued many silver coins mainly for local exchange.
However, compared to the earlier period, long-distance trade declined under the Guptas.
India continued some trade with the Eastern Roman Empire till AD 550, especially by exporting silk. Around AD 550, the people of the Eastern Roman Empire learnt the art of growing silk from the Chinese.
Social Development Under the Guptas
Large-scale land grants to Brahmanas show that Brahmana supremacy continued in Gupta times.
Castes multiplied into many sub-castes because of two main reasons:
- A large number of foreigners were assimilated into Indian society, and each foreign group was considered a kind of caste.
- Many tribal people were absorbed into Brahmanical society through land grants.
Position of Shudras
The position of Shudras improved in this period.
They were permitted to listen to:
- Ramayana
- Mahabharata
- Puranas
They could also worship a new god called Krishna.
Chandalas and Women
The number of untouchables increased during this period, especially the Chandalas.
Women were also allowed to listen to the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranas.
The law-giver Katyayana of the 6th century held that women could sell and mortgage their immovable property along with their Stridhana.
State of Buddhism Under the Guptas
According to Fa-hsien, Buddhism was in a very flourishing state.
Nalanda Mahavihara, widely recognized as one of the world’s earliest residential universities, was established under the patronage of Kumaragupta I, with Mahayana Buddhism forming a core part of its curriculum.
Art in the Gupta Period
The Gupta age is considered the Golden Age of ancient India, not because it issued the largest number of gold coins, but because of its contribution to art and literature.
Both Samudragupta and Chandragupta II were patrons of art and literature.
Samudragupta is shown on his coins playing the Veena, while Chandragupta II is credited with maintaining nine luminaries in his court.
Buddhist and Hindu Art
In ancient India, art was mostly inspired by religion.
Buddhism gave great impetus to art in the Maurya and post-Maurya periods through:
- Massive stone pillars
- Beautiful caves
- High stupas or relic towers
In the Gupta period:
- Images of Buddha were made at Sarnath and Mathura.
- The greatest specimen of Buddhist art was provided by Ajanta paintings.
- These paintings depict events from the life of Buddha and previous Buddhas.
- Images of Vishnu, Shiva and other Hindu gods are also seen.
Architecture
The Gupta period was poor in architecture.
However, a few temples made of brick and stone are mentioned.
Some brick temples are found at:
- Bhitargaon in Kanpur
- Bhitari in Ghazipur
- Deogarh in Jhansi
The Buddhist University of Nalanda was set up in the 5th century, and its earliest brick structure belongs to this period.
Literature in the Gupta Period
The Gupta period was remarkable for the production of secular literature.
Important Literary Works and Authors
| Author | Work / Contribution |
|---|---|
| Bhasa | 13 plays |
| Shudraka | Mrichhakatika / The Little Clay Cart |
| Kalidasa | Abhijnan Shakuntalam, Meghdootam, Kumar Sambhava, Ritusamhara |
| Amarasimha | Amarkosha |
Mrichhakatika deals with the love affair of a poor Brahmana and the beautiful daughter of a courtesan. It is considered one of the best works of ancient drama.
Shakuntalam is considered one of the best hundred literary works in the world.
Language in Gupta Plays
Two important points about plays written during the Gupta age:
- They were all comedies.
- Characters of higher and lower classes did not speak the same language.
Women and Shudras in these plays used Prakrit, while higher classes used Sanskrit.
The Gupta period also saw the development of Sanskrit grammar based on Panini and Patanjali.
Science and Technology in the Gupta Period
The Gupta period saw important developments in mathematics, astronomy, medicine and engineering.
Aryabhata
In mathematics, Aryabhatiya, written by Aryabhata, is famous.
A Gupta inscription of AD 448 from Allahabad district suggests that the decimal system was known in India at the beginning of the 5th century AD.
Aryabhata made foundational contributions across mathematics and astronomy, including:
- Aryabhatiya
- Aryasiddhanta
- Calculating the value of Pi
- Calculating the length of the solar year
- Solving problems in trigonometry
- Developing Chakra Yantra, Gola Yantra and shadow devices
- Introducing zero, decimal system, and advances in algebra and geometry
Astronomy and Varahamihira
In astronomy, Romaka Siddhanta was compiled.
Suryasiddhantika is a book on the sun and its planets written by Aryabhata.
Varahamihira, one of the nine jewels in the court of Chandragupta II, made significant contributions to astronomy.
He wrote Panchasiddhantika, a book on celestial phenomena.
Iron Pillar, Medicine and Architecture
One of the most notable achievements of the Gupta period was the Iron Pillar of Delhi, manufactured in the 4th century AD.
- Sushruta Samhita, a work on surgery, was compiled during this period.
- Charaka Samhita, a work on medicine, was compiled during this period.
- Gupta architects used precise engineering techniques for intricate carvings, expensive temples and forts.
The Guptas: Quick Revision Table
| Topic | Key Point |
|---|---|
| Origin | May have been of Vaishya origin |
| Political unity | North India united from AD 335 to 455 |
| Original kingdom | U.P. and Bihar |
| Centre of power | Prayag |
| Founder | Srigupta |
| Successor of Srigupta | Ghatotkacha |
| First important king | Chandragupta I |
| Chandragupta I alliance | Married Lichchhavi princess |
| Samudragupta period | AD 335–380 |
| Samudragupta’s poet | Harisena |
| Samudragupta inscription | Allahabad Pillar / Prayag Prashasti |
| Samudragupta title | Napoleon of India |
| Chandragupta II period | AD 380–412 |
| Chandragupta II title | Vikramaditya |
| Chandragupta II court | Kalidasa and Amarasimha |
| Provinces | Bhuktis |
| Districts | Vishayas |
| Important officer | Kumaramatyas |
| Forced labour | Vishti |
| Gold coins | Dinaras |
| Gupta seal | Garuda Seal |
| Nalanda | Constructed by Kumaragupta |
| Major art | Ajanta paintings |
| Major poet | Kalidasa |
| Mathematics | Aryabhata |
| Astronomy | Varahamihira |
| Iron achievement | Delhi Iron Pillar |
FAQs on The Guptas
Who founded the Gupta dynasty?
Srigupta as the founder of the dynasty. It also states that Chandragupta I was the first important king.
Who was the first important Gupta ruler?
Chandragupta I was the first important ruler of the Gupta dynasty.
Why was Chandragupta I’s marriage important?
Chandragupta I married a Lichchhavi princess, most probably from Nepal. This marriage strengthened his political position.
Who was Samudragupta?
Samudragupta was a powerful Gupta ruler who ruled from AD 335–380 and expanded the empire through conquest.
Who wrote the Allahabad Pillar Inscription?
Harisena, the court poet of Samudragupta, composed the account of Samudragupta’s achievements, known as the Prayag Prashasti / Allahabad Pillar Inscription.
Why is Samudragupta called the Napoleon of India?
Samudragupta never knew defeat and is called the Napoleon of India because of his military conquests.
Who was Chandragupta II?
Chandragupta II was the son of Samudragupta. He ruled from AD 380–412 and adopted the title Vikramaditya after defeating the Shakas of western India.
Which title did Chandragupta II adopt?
Chandragupta II adopted the title Vikramaditya.
Who were the scholars in Chandragupta II’s court?
Scholars such as Kalidasa and Amarasimha in Chandragupta II’s court.
What was Amarkosha?
Amarkosha was written by Amarasimha. It is a book on Sanskrit vocabulary, homonyms and synonyms, and is also called Trikanda.
What were Gupta provinces called?
Gupta provinces were called Bhuktis.
Who was Uparika?
Uparika was the officer in charge of a Bhukti.
What were Vishayas?
Vishayas were districts under the Gupta administration.
Who was Vishayapati?
Vishayapati was the officer in charge of a Vishaya.
What was Vishti?
Vishti was forced labour imposed on villagers in central and western India for serving the royal army and officials.
What were Gupta gold coins called?
Gupta gold coins were called Dinaras in inscriptions.
Who constructed Nalanda?
Kumaragupta constructed Nalanda, where Mahayana Buddhism was taught.
Why is the Gupta age called the Golden Age?
The Gupta age is called the Golden Age not because of gold coins, but because of its contribution to art and literature.
What are the major literary works of Kalidasa?
Abhigyan Shakuntalam, Meghdootam, Kumar Sambhava and Ritusamhar.
Who wrote Aryabhatiya?
Aryabhata wrote Aryabhatiya.
What was Varahamihira known for?
Varahamihira was one of the nine jewels in Chandragupta II’s court and made important contributions to astronomy. He wrote Panchasiddhantika.
Last Moment Exam Cheat Sheet – The Guptas
- The Gupta Empire arose on the ruins of the Kushana Empire.
- The Guptas may have been of Vaishya origin.
- They kept north India united from AD 335 to AD 455.
- Their original kingdom included U.P. and Bihar.
- Their centre of power was probably Prayag.
- The founder of the dynasty is Srigupta.
- Ghatotkacha succeeded Srigupta.
- Chandragupta I was the first important king.
- Chandragupta I married a Lichchhavi princess.
- Samudragupta ruled from AD 335–380.
- Samudragupta expanded his empire through conquest.
- Harisena wrote about Samudragupta’s military achievements.
- The inscription is engraved on the Allahabad Pillar.
- Samudragupta conquered Ganga-Yamuna Doab princes, frontier states, Atavika kingdoms, eastern Deccan and South Indian rulers, and Shaka-Kushana territories.
- Samudragupta followed Kautilya’s Arthashastra in administration.
- Meghavarman of Sri Lanka sought permission to build a Buddhist temple at Gaya.
- Samudragupta is called the Napoleon of India.
- Samudragupta was a Veena player and poet.
- Chandragupta II ruled from AD 380–412.
- Chandragupta II was the son of Samudragupta.
- Mehrauli Iron Pillar describes his victory over Vangas and Vahilkas.
- Chandragupta II married his daughter Prabhavati to a Vakataka prince.
- Chandragupta II conquered western Malwa and Gujarat from Shaka Kshatrapas.
- Chandragupta II adopted the title Vikramaditya.
- Chandragupta II’s court at Ujjain included Kalidasa and Amarasimha.
- Amarasimha wrote Amarkosha, also called Trikanda.
- Harisena composed the Prayag Prashasti / Allahabad Pillar Inscription.
- Kalidasa wrote Abhigyan Shakuntalam, Kumar Sambhav, Ritusamhar and Meghdootam.
- Varahamihira wrote Panchasiddhantika, Brihat Samhita and Brihat Jataka.
- Vanuruchi wrote Prakrit Prakash.
- Gupta kings used titles like Parameshvara, Maharajadhiraja and Parambhattaraka.
- Kingship was hereditary but primogeniture was not firmly fixed.
- Cavalry became more important than horse chariots.
- Horse archery became prominent.
- Forced labour was called Vishti.
- Civil and criminal laws were clearly separated for the first time.
- Important officers were called Kumaramatyas.
- Provinces were called Bhuktis.
- Districts were called Vishayas.
- Bhuktis were under Uparikas.
- Vishayas were under Vishayapatis.
- The village headman became more important.
- Artisans, merchants and scribes participated in urban corporate bodies.
- Silk-weavers had guilds at Mandasor and Indore.
- Gupta gold coins were called Dinaras.
- Gupta charters carried the Garuda Seal.
- Long-distance trade declined under the Guptas.
- Brahmana supremacy continued due to large-scale land grants.
- Shudras were allowed to listen to Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranas.
- Shudras could worship Krishna.
- Chandalas increased in number.
- Women could listen to Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranas.
- Katyayana allowed women to sell and mortgage immovable property with Stridhana.
- Fa-hsien says Buddhism was flourishing.
- Nalanda was constructed by Kumaragupta.
- The Gupta age is called Golden Age because of its contribution to art and literature.
- Ajanta paintings are the greatest specimen of Buddhist art in Gupta times.
- Gupta brick temples are found at Bhitargaon, Bhitari and Deogarh.
- Bhasa wrote 13 plays.
- Shudraka wrote Mrichhakatika.
- Aryabhata wrote Aryabhatiya.
- A Gupta inscription of AD 448 suggests decimal system was known in India.
- Aryabhata pioneered foundational work on zero, the decimal place-value system, algebra, and geometry.
- The Delhi Iron Pillar was manufactured in the 4th century AD.