The Gupta Empire, which flourished from about 320 to 550 CE across much of northern India, is often called India’s Golden Age. It was a time of relative peace, prosperity and remarkable achievements in science, mathematics, literature and art.
Great rulers
- Chandragupta I founded the empire’s power, around 320 CE.
- Samudragupta expanded it through military campaigns, recorded on the Allahabad Pillar inscription. He was also a patron of music and poetry.
- Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) brought the empire to its height. The Chinese pilgrim Faxian visited India during his reign and described a peaceful, well-governed land.
Mathematics and astronomy
- Aryabhata (born 476 CE) wrote the Aryabhatiya. He calculated an accurate value of pi, explained that Earth rotates on its axis, and that eclipses are caused by shadows, not demons. India’s first satellite, launched in 1975, was named after him.
- The decimal place-value system and the use of zero, developed in India, spread to the Arab world and later to Europe, transforming mathematics.
- Varahamihira wrote on astronomy and astrology.
Literature
Kalidasa, the greatest classical Sanskrit poet and playwright, wrote Abhijnanashakuntalam and Meghaduta. Many Puranas took their present form in this period.
Art and architecture
- Some of the beautiful paintings and sculptures of the Ajanta Caves date from this era.
- Early stone temples such as the Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh were built.
- The Iron Pillar in Delhi, made around this time, has resisted rust for over 1,600 years.
Education: Nalanda
The great university of Nalanda in Bihar was founded in the Gupta period, traditionally under Kumaragupta I. It later attracted students from across Asia.
Decline
By the 6th century, invasions by the Hunas and weaker successors led to the empire’s decline.
