‘Golden Age’ of India: Why is the brightest phase of history called Gupta period? Learn 10 biggest reasons!

Whenever it comes to India’s glorious history, the mention of the Gupta period always comes first. Historians and experts have given it the title of ‘Golden Age of India’. This is not because at that time there was only gold, but because art, science, literature, mathematics, astronomy, religion and culture were unprecedented in every field. This period extended from Chandragupta I and from the fourth century AD to the sixth century AD, brought the Indian subcontinent to a height, whose marks still appear in our civilization.

Let’s know the 10 main reasons that make the Gupta period a ‘golden age’:

1. Rich and stable governance: The Gupta rulers provided a stable and strong central administration, making peace and order throughout the empire. The empire led by the emperors like Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) and Kumaragupta reached the summit of prosperity.

2. Progress in science and technology: During this period, Aryabhata invented zero and told that the earth is round and rotates on its axis. Varahamihira contributed significantly to astronomy and astrology. There was also amazing progress in metallurgy, such as the Loh Pillar of Delhi still stands free.

3. Art of art and architecture: In the Gupta period, magnificent temples, stupas and caves were built, such as Dashavatar Temple of Deogarh. Mathura and Sarnath art styles developed, where beautiful statues of Buddha and Hindu deities were made. The paintings of Ajanta caves are also of this period.

4. Golden period of literature and drama: Sanskrit literature reached its peak. Mahakavi Kalidas (Abhigyan Shakuntalam, Meghdootam) belonged to this period. Writers like Amarsingh (Amarshakosh), Visakhadatta (Mudrarakshas) and Shudrakatakam (Mrichkatikam) are also from this time.

5. Revolution in Mathematics: The discovery of the concept of zero and the decimal system revolutionized world mathematics, which later reached the western world through Arab countries.

   
   

6. Unique knowledge in astronomy: The rotation of the Earth, the correct calculation of the sun and the lunar eclipse, the study of the movement of the planets – all these are achievements of astronomy of the Gupta period.

7. Development of Ayurveda and Medical Sciences: Great physicians like Dhanvantari were of this period. Medicines based on medical knowledge, surgery and herbs also made a lot of progress.

8. Business and prosperity of economy: The internal and external trade accelerated. Silk road and marine trade routes were actively used. The purity and quality of coins (especially gold) was an indicator of this prosperity.

9. religious tolerance: The Gupta ruler was primarily Vaishnava, but he also showed deep tolerance towards Buddhism and Jainism. Followers of different religions got equal respect and freedom.

10. Development of education and educational institutions: The centers of great education like Nalanda and Vallabhi flourished in the Gupta period, where students from far and wide used to come to study.

All these factors together make the Gupta period a ‘golden age’ in Indian history, which made incomparable contribution not only to India, but the whole world in the field of knowledge, art and civilization.