Gupta Empire

The Gupta period marks an important phase in the history of ancient India.

The long and efficient rule of the Guptas made a huge impact on the political, social and cultural spheres.

The Gupta Period is also popularly known as the Golden Age of India and for the right reasons.

The rulers of the Gupta Empire were efficient administrators.

Introduction

During this age, art and education flourished and many great discoveries were made in these fields.

Aryabhatta andVarahamihira, the two great mathematicians contributed much during this period in the field of Vedic Mathematics.

Astronomers and philosophers proposed the theory that the earth was not flat but round.

Education

Aryabhatta

Varahamihira

• Under Chandragupta I (320-335), empire was revived in the north.

• This period is regarded as the golden age of Indian culture.

• creative architecture, sculpture, and painting. • The wall-paintings of Ajanta Cave in the central

Deccan are considered among the greatest and most powerful works of Indian art.

• The rock temple at Elephanta contains a powerful, eighteen foot statue of the three-headed Shiva, one of the principle Hindu gods.

Art and Architecture

Ajantha Caves

Ellora Caves

Rock temple at Elephanta

• The greatest writer of the time was Kalidasa.

• Harsha, who was a descendant of the Guptas,

• From 606-647, he ruled over an empire in northern India.

Literature

• A famous rock-cut monastery at Ajanta consists of several chaitya halls and numerous residential viharas.

• The Gupta coins also reached classical levels :

Art and Architecture

Religion

• Both Buddhism and Hinduism were widely prevalent.

• Chandragupta II (referred to as Vikramaditya or Chandragupta Vikramaditya) stands as one of the most powerful emperors of the Gupta empire. His rule spanned from 375 to 415 C.E.

The nine navratans of chandraguptaII ‘s court are:

• Dhanvantari

• vetal bhatt

• Ghat karpar

• Varahamihira

• Vanaruchi

• Kalidas

• Shanku

• Amarasimha

• kshapanak