Introduction
A multivolume work, while describing the life during the rule
of the Gupta dynasty, states "life was never happier".
This single expression is enough to explain why the period is
known as the "Golden period" or the "Golden age"
of Ancient Bharat. Bharat during the Gupta dynasty witnessed excellence
in all spheres of life. Political, social, cultural, economic
condition of the society was at its best. The period was culturally
rich. Many historians agree with the fact that around all the
rulers of the dynasty extended patronage to learning of Sanskrit.
This resulted in the flourishing of Sanskrit literature in all
its branches. This was the last phase of the Smriti literature
and saw full development of Puranas. Possibly Epics also got their
final touches in this age. The new and vigorous Hinduism of the
Guptas gave impetus to all these. Sanskrit in this period became
lingua franca of Bharat. This is proved by the fact that great
dramatists and poets like Kalidas, Bhavabhuti, Bharavi and Magha,
prose writers like Dandin,
Subandhu and Bana, rhetoricians like Bhamaha, grammarians like
Chandra, Vamana and Bhartrihari, flourished during this age.
This
period is also identified with the revival of Brahmanical religion.
Some historians are of the view that this period was responsible
for the renaissance of the Hinduism. But the fact is that the
predecessors of the Gupta dynasty had kept up the tradition of
Hindu religion by their reforming activities in some or the other
form. But definitely in the sphere of religion, in this period
the national spirit found expression. A period of religious revival
is usually accompanied by a merciless persecution of the followers
of the other religion. But the Gupta period was free from any
religious tyranny. This simply means that they were imbued with
the true spirit of Hinduism, namely tolerance for other religion.
This is proved from the fact that some of the greatest exponents
of the Buddhist philosophy, Asanga, Vasubandhu and Sangharakasita
lived during this period and Samudragupta was a patron of Vasubandhu.
The famous Ajanta, Ellora caves having a Buddhist themes exist
from this period.
Apart from art, architecture in the field of mathematical and
astronomical sciences the Gupta period is adorned by the names
like Aryabhatta and Varahamihira. The period is also credited
with a revival of nationalism.
During the Gupta period, the people experienced an administrative
system, very well planned and well disciplined. Monarchy was
the prevalent form of government. Although a few republics lingered
on in Punjab and Rajputana. The theory of divine origin of kings
was popular during this time but certain democratic elements
occurred with it. The kings were not autocrats. They shared
powers with ministers and high officials.
Though this was the kind of life overall seen in this period,
in certain parts of the country serfdom appeared leading to
the economic bondage of the peasantry. Class division also became
sharper than ever before.
Still
it is not an exaggeration to say that the Gupta period was the
Classic period of Ancient Bharat. At the root of all these lay
the "Imperial Peace" which was established by the
efforts of a succession of able rulers. The Gupta Empire lasted
longer than most of the empires that flourished in Bharat, perhaps
not excluding even Mughal Empire.
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