Gupta Empire Introduction, Achievements, Golden Age, Facts

Introduction of Gupta Empire –

Two significant political forces—the Kushanas and the Satavahanas in the north and south, respectively—rose to prominence as a result of the collapse of the Mauryan Empire. These two empires supported social harmony and economic development in their respective domains. Around 230 CE, the Kushan rule in north India came to an end, and the Murundas thereafter took control of most of central India (possible kinsmen of the Kushanas).

Murunda rule lasted for just 25 to 30 years. In the last decade of the third century CE, the Gupta dynasty became well-known (about 275 CE). The erstwhile lands ruled by the Satavahanas and Kushanas were mostly under the power of the Gupta Empire. The Guptas (perhaps Vaishyas) maintained political unity in northern India for more than a century (335 CE- 455 CE).

It is believed that the Guptas were Kushana feudators. Uttar Pradesh and Bihar made formed the Guptas' initial kingdom, which had Prayag as its capital (U.P). The Guptas established their dominance in the prosperous plains of Madhyadesha, also known as Anuganga (the middle Gangetic basin), Saketa (U.P. Ayodhya), Prayag (U.P.), and Magadha (mostly Bihar).

The Guptas took advantage of their closeness to regions in north India that engaged in silk trade with the Byzantine Empire as well as the iron ore riches in central India and south Bihar (eastern Roman Empire). The Gupta era in ancient India is referred to as the "Golden Age" because of the enormous advances made in the disciplines of the arts, literature, science, and technology. The political union of the continent was another outcome.

Founder of Gupta Empire

Chandragupta-I (319 CE - 330/335 CE) –

The dynasty's first significant king and regarded as its true founder was Chandragupta-I (319—330/335 CE). He took on the name "Maharajadhiraj." His rule extended to areas of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and South Bihar (Saketa and Prayaga).

Beginning with his accession in around AD 319—320, the Gupta Samvat was established (era). Gold coins featuring the likenesses of Kumardevi and Chandragupta l, also known as Kumardevi Coins, were first struck after Chandragupta-I wed the Licchavi princess Kumardevi and expanded his power in the North Bihar region (Nepal).

Work of Gupta Empire Kings –

Mathematics

The notation using the decimal system was one of the significant developments. During this period, the place-value system reached its culmination. Zero was not represented by a symbol during the Gupta era. Aryabhatta, a mathematician, employed powers of 10 and null co-efficients to represent "zero."

Astronomy

Aryabhatta's hypothesis that the earth has a spherical shape rather than a flat one was one of the significant developments. The astronomers of the Gupta era introduced the concept of gravity. Aryabhatta also demonstrated that the planet consistently spins around its own axis. According to him, the earth's rotation caused the stars to move, which in turn caused the motion of the stars.

Medicine

Mercury and iron were used in medicine throughout the Gupta era. The use of these materials demonstrates that people living during the Gupta era were knowledgeable about chemistry and even engaged in its practice. The medical professionals at that time were aware of surgeries and could perform them if necessary.

Literature

The Gupta Dynasty was a peak period for literature. The literature of the Gupta dynasty was more concerned with human behaviour than with religious concepts. Sanskrit literature was particularly well-liked and supported by numerous kings of the Gupta Empire. Nine poets served in Chandragupta II's court. Kalidasa was the greatest poet among these nine. During the Gupta dynasty, Prakrit literature was also quite well-liked.

Education

The Gupta era saw a significant importance for education. The public could obtain a primary education. Staying in agraharas or monasteries was the way to obtain formal education and advanced education. In the fifth century, Kumaragupta I founded Nalanda University. The university was a significant hub for learning and one of the first to offer dormitories to students. One of the first institutions of higher learning in the world was the Takshila University.

Administrative System

The Empire was divided into distinct administrative regions, such as Rajya, Rashtra, Desha, and Mandala, among others. Thus, the decentralization of power was emphasized. The administrative division made it possible for the kings to systematically govern  their domains.

Judicial System

The Gupta Empire had a distinctive judicial system. The lowest level of the judicial hierarchy was the village assembly or trade guild. These councils were picked to serve as a mediator between the parties who came before them in disputes.

Art & Architecture

For all the major religious groups, the Gupta era is typically recognized as the classic pinnacle of North Indian art. Even though there are many surviving paintings, they are almost exclusively religious sculptures. During this time, the Buddha image, Jain tirthankara figures, and the distinctive, intricately carved stone deity in Hindu art all first appeared.