SSC CGL Preparation – Day 3

History: Gupta Empire

---

🏛️ Introduction

• The Gupta Empire (c. 320 CE – 550 CE) marks a golden period in ancient Indian history, known for its achievements in art, science, literature, and administration.
• This era saw political unity, economic prosperity, and significant cultural developments.

---

🧬 Founding of the Gupta Empire

• Founder: Sri Gupta (late 3rd century CE) – laid the foundation.
• Chandragupta I (c. 320–335 CE): Regarded as the real founder of the Gupta Empire.
  • Adopted the title “Maharajadhiraja” (King of Kings).
  • Married Kumaradevi, a Lichchhavi princess, strengthening his political influence.

---

👑 Important Rulers

1. Chandragupta I (320–335 CE)

• Established the empire in Magadha.
• Issued gold coins with his and Kumaradevi’s image.
• Political expansion via alliances.

---

2. Samudragupta (335–375 CE)

• Called “Napoleon of India” by historian V.A. Smith.
• Detailed conquests recorded in the Allahabad Pillar Inscription, written by Harisena (court poet).
• Conquered:
  • North India (Aryavarta) – Direct control.
  • South India – Allowed local rulers to remain after submission.
  • Forest Kingdoms and border states – Made them tributaries.
• Patron of arts and music, depicted playing veena in coins.

---

3. Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) (c. 375–415 CE)

• Defeated the Shaka rulers of Ujjain.
• His court had Navaratnas (Nine Gems) including:
  • Kalidasa (poet and dramatist)
  • Amarasimha (lexicographer)
  • Varahamihira (astronomer)
• Period of cultural and scientific excellence.

---

4. Kumaragupta I (c. 415–455 CE)

• Founded Nalanda University – a renowned center for Buddhist learning.
• Faced initial incursions from the Pushyamitras.

---

5. Skandagupta (c. 455–467 CE)

• Successfully defended the empire from the Hunas (White Huns).
• His reign marked the beginning of the decline of the Gupta Empire due to economic strain and invasions.

---

⚔️ Administration

• Centralized monarchy, but provincial autonomy was allowed.
• Officers: Kumaramatyas held important administrative positions.
• Land grants were made to Brahmins and religious institutions.

---

📖 Literature and Learning

• Sanskrit became the court language.
• Kalidasa’s famous works:
  • Abhijnanashakuntalam (drama)
  • Meghaduta (poetry)
• Other texts:
  • Amarakosha by Amarasimha
  • Aryabhatiya by Aryabhata (astronomy & mathematics)

---

🧪 Science and Technology

• Aryabhata:
  • Wrote Aryabhatiya – mentions rotation of Earth, value of π.
• Varahamihira:
  • Authored Brihatsamhita – encyclopedia of astronomy and natural sciences.
• Decimal system and concept of zero evolved further.

---

🎨 Art and Architecture

• Ajanta Caves: Buddhist frescoes during this period.
• Sculptures emphasized beauty, realism, and grace.
• Temples began transitioning from wooden to stone architecture.

---

🛡️ Coins

• Gold coins called Dinars were widely circulated.
• Depicted rulers, deities, and sometimes musical instruments (veena).

---

🌍 Foreign Accounts

• Fa-Hien, a Chinese Buddhist monk, visited India during Chandragupta II’s reign.
  • Described India as peaceful and prosperous.
  • Recorded his experiences in Fo-Kuo-Ki.

---

📉 Decline of the Gupta Empire

• Reasons:
  • Invasion of Hunas.
  • Weak successors.
  • Decline in trade and revenue.
  • Rise of regional powers.
• By 550 CE, the empire had fragmented.

---

🏆 Significance of the Gupta Age

• Known as the “Golden Age of India” for its:
  • Achievements in literature, science, and philosophy.
  • Promotion of Hinduism, though Buddhism also flourished.
  • Tolerance towards other religions.
  • Artistic and cultural excellence.

---

🧠 Quick Facts Summary

Feature	Details
Founder	Sri Gupta
Real Founder	Chandragupta I
Most powerful ruler	Samudragupta
Cultural Zenith	Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya)
Major Chinese Visitor	Fa-Hien
Major Scholar	Aryabhata
Famous Poet	Kalidasa
Major Learning Center	Nalanda University
Decline Started	After Skandagupta
Type of Coins	Gold Dinars