Mathematics and Astronomy The invention of the theory of zero. Aryabhatta was the first Indian astronomer to declare that the earth revolves around its own He is also the author of Aryabhattiyam, which deals with arithmetic, geometry and algebra. Varahamihira’s Brihat Samhita (sixth century CE) is an encyclopedia of astronomy, physical geography, botany and natural […]
Sanskrit Literature Though the language spoken by the people was Prakrit, the Guptas made Sanskrit the official language. This period was the peak for Sanskrit Literature. Smritis are religious texts covering a wide range of subjects such as ethics, politics, culture and art. Dharmasastra and Puranas form the core of this body of literature. Sanskrit
Art and Architecture By evolving the Nagara and the Dravida styles. Gupta constructed the temple for the first time. The temple at Deogarh near Jhansi & the sculptures in the temple at Garh near Allahabad remain important specimens of the Gupta art. Beautiful statue of standing Buddha at Mathura reveals a little Greek style. The
Economic Condition Nitisara, written by Kamandaka, is a text like Arthasastra. It emphasizes the importance of the royal treasury and mentions various sources of revenue. The akshapataladhikrita was the keeper of royal records. Iranyavesti meant forced labor. Agriculture and Agrarian Structure The Paharpur copper plate inscription indicates that the king was the sole proprietor of
Land and Peasants Nitisara, authored by Kamandaka, emphasizes the importance of the royal treasury and mentions various sources of revenue. Land tax was the main revenue to the government. Administrative Units below the District level The administrative units below the district level included clusters of settlements known variously as vithi, bhumi, pathaka and peta. There
Different Land Tenures Types of Tenures Nature of Holding Nivi dharma Endowment of land under a kind of trusteeship was prevalent in North and Central India and Bengal. Nivi dharmaaksayana A perpetual endowment. The recipient could make use of income derived from it. Aprada dharma Income from land could be enjoyed, but the recipient
The King Kings assumed titles such as maharajadhiraja, samrat, chakravarthi, parama – bhattaraka and parameshvara. They were also connected with gods through epithets such as parama-daivata (the foremost worshiper of the gods) and parama – bhagavata (the foremost worshiper of Vasudeva Krishna). Samudragupta is compared to Purusha (Supreme Being) in the Allahabad inscription. The divine
Kumaragupta Chandragupta II was succeeded by his son Kumara Gupta I; he founded Nalanda University He ruled till 455 CE. He was also called “Sakraditya”. Kumaragupta’s successor Skandagupta had to face a new threat in the form of the invasion of Huns. He defeated them and drove them away. He is known by historians as
Chandragupta II He ruled for 40 years from CE 375 to 415 CE. He came to power after a succession struggle with his brother Rama Gupta (370-375CE.) He is also known as Vikramathya Chandragupta II conquered western Malwa and Gujarat by defeating the Saka rulers. He maintained a friendly relationship with the rulers of southern
Foundation of the Gupta Dynasty Sri Gupta is considered to be the founder of the Gupta dynasty. He was the first Gupta ruler to be featured on coins. He was succeeded by his son Ghatotkacha. Both are mentioned as Maharajas in inscriptions. Chandragupta I, the son of Ghatotkacha, ruled from 319 to 335 CE. He
