In contrast to the Mauryas, the Gupta kings adopted pompous titles such as paramesyara, maharajadhiraja, and paramabhatraraka, signifying their rule over lesser kings in their empire.
Kingship was hereditary but not strictly primogeniture, leading to uncertainties and opportunities for chiefs and high officials.
The Guptas made significant gifts to the brahmanas, who compared the king to gods like Vishnu.
The numerical strength of the Gupta army is unknown, but they maintained a standing army supplemented by forces from feudatories.
Chariots became less important, with cavalry and horse archery coming to the forefront.
Land taxes increased, while taxes on trade and commerce decreased. The king collected taxes ranging from one-fourth to one-sixth of the produce.
The judicial system was more developed, with clear distinctions between civil and criminal law. Theft and adultery came under criminal law, while property disputes fell under civil law.
The Gupta bureaucracy was less elaborate than the Mauryas, with significant roles for kumaramatyas, and local and provincial administration organized into divisions (bhukti) and districts (vishayas).
The village headman became more important, managing village affairs with elders' assistance. No land transactions could occur without their consent.
In urban administration, professional bodies were given considerable shares. Artisans, merchants, and scribes served on corporate bodies, conducting town affairs.
Feudatory chiefs held major parts of the empire, fulfilling obligations to the sovereign in exchange for charters to rule their areas.
Fiscal and administrative concessions were granted to priests and administrators, with land grants allowing them to collect taxes and administer local justice.
Foreign trade declined during the Gupta period, particularly after the Eastern Roman Empire learned silk production, reducing Indian silk exports.
The emergence of priestly landlords at the cost of local peasants was a significant development. Land grants brought new areas under cultivation but imposed beneficiaries on local peasants, reducing their status.
Large-scale land grants to brahmanas continued, enhancing brahmana supremacy. The Guptas, originally vaisyas, were regarded as kshatriyas by brahmanas.
Foreigners assimilated into Indian society formed new castes, often given kshatriya status, as seen with the Hunas becoming Rajput clans.
Sudras and women saw some improvements, being allowed to listen to epics and worship Krishna. Sudras mainly became agriculturists.
Untouchables, particularly chandalas, increased in number, facing severe discrimination and restrictions in society.
Buddhism no longer received royal patronage, though Fa-hsien noted its presence. Brahmanism came to the forefront with deities like Vishnu and Siva gaining prominence.
Idol worship in temples became common, and numerous festivals, often agricultural in origin, were celebrated with religious significance.
The Gupta kings practiced religious tolerance, with no persecution of Buddhists and Jains.
The Gupta period, known as the Golden Age, saw significant contributions to art and literature, though some towns in north India declined economically.
Samudragupta and Chandragupta II were notable patrons of art, supporting scholars and artists.
Buddhist art flourished with bronze images and the Ajanta paintings, which depicted events from the life of Buddha with lifelike and vibrant colors.
Brahmanical art saw the creation of images of Vishnu, Siva, and other Hindu gods, often depicting social hierarchy through scale in the art.
Gupta architecture was limited, with few surviving temples and structures, such as the brick temples of Bhitargaon and the Buddhist university at Nalanda.
The Gupta period made advancements in mathematics and astronomy, with works like Aryabhatiya by Aryabhata and Romaka Sidhanta influenced by Greek ideas.
Gupta craftsmen excelled in iron and bronze work, exemplified by the rust-resistant Iron Pillar at Delhi.
Describe the system of administration under the Imperial Guptas
In contrast to the Mauryas, the Gupta kings adopted pompous titles such as paramesyara, maharajadhiraja, and paramabhatraraka, signifying their rule over lesser kings in their empire.
Kingship was hereditary but not strictly primogeniture, leading to uncertainties and opportunities for chiefs and high officials.
The Guptas made significant gifts to the brahmanas, who compared the king to gods like Vishnu.
The numerical strength of the Gupta army is unknown, but they maintained a standing army supplemented by forces from feudatories.
Chariots became less important, with cavalry and horse archery coming to the forefront.
Land taxes increased, while taxes on trade and commerce decreased. The king collected taxes ranging from one-fourth to one-sixth of the produce.
The judicial system was more developed, with clear distinctions between civil and criminal law. Theft and adultery came under criminal law, while property disputes fell under civil law.
The Gupta bureaucracy was less elaborate than the Mauryas, with significant roles for kumaramatyas, and local and provincial administration organized into divisions (bhukti) and districts (vishayas).
The village headman became more important, managing village affairs with elders' assistance. No land transactions could occur without their consent.
In urban administration, professional bodies were given considerable shares. Artisans, merchants, and scribes served on corporate bodies, conducting town affairs.
Feudatory chiefs held major parts of the empire, fulfilling obligations to the sovereign in exchange for charters to rule their areas.
Fiscal and administrative concessions were granted to priests and administrators, with land grants allowing them to collect taxes and administer local justice.
Survey the economic life of the people of India in Gupta times
Give an account of the social and religious conditions of India in Gupta times
Large-scale land grants to brahmanas continued, enhancing brahmana supremacy. The Guptas, originally vaisyas, were regarded as kshatriyas by brahmanas.
Foreigners assimilated into Indian society formed new castes, often given kshatriya status, as seen with the Hunas becoming Rajput clans.
Sudras and women saw some improvements, being allowed to listen to epics and worship Krishna. Sudras mainly became agriculturists.
Untouchables, particularly chandalas, increased in number, facing severe discrimination and restrictions in society.
Buddhism no longer received royal patronage, though Fa-hsien noted its presence. Brahmanism came to the forefront with deities like Vishnu and Siva gaining prominence.
Idol worship in temples became common, and numerous festivals, often agricultural in origin, were celebrated with religious significance.
The Gupta kings practiced religious tolerance, with no persecution of Buddhists and Jains.
We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. By continuing to browse, you agree to our use of cookies. Please review our
Privacy Policy and
Terms of Use for more information.
