Life in Gupta and Post-Gupta Period

Introduction

After the downfall of the Mauryan dynasty, various new empires were on the verge of growth. It was in the 3rd century that a powerful kingdom came into being – The Gupta Dynasty. The period between 320 AD and 540 AD is called the Gupta period. This was also known as the golden age of Indian history as it paved the way for many advances in the fields of art, literature, philosophy, trade, architecture, agriculture, and science. Archaeological sources such as temples and coins, and literary sources like written accounts of Fa-Xian give us an insight into the life of Gupta and post-Gupta period. 

Life in the Gupta and Post Gupta Period

Sri Gupta was the ruler who founded the Gupta Dynasty. The society during the Gupta period was divided based on four varnas. The people were placed in different areas of the kingdom based on their varnas. The people who followed the profession of butchering and executing were made to stay on the outskirts of the city. The greatest level of respect was given to the Brahmins. The power and prestige that was held by the Kshatriyas, gave them respect. 

Slavery was very much prevalent during the Gupta period. It was a common feature among most Hindu households. Though it was not prevalent earlier, polygamy slowly started developing. People who were in the field of science made progress in leaps and bounds. Many notable mathematicians and astronomers wrote their best works during the Gupta period – Varahamihira, Aryabhatta, etc. Surgeons who prevailed during the Gupta period gained a lot of expertise in the field of surgery and dissection. 

Many famous temples dedicated to Hindu deities such as Shiva, Parvati, and Vishnu were built during this golden period. Some noteworthy temples built during this era are Jhansi’s Dashavatara temple, Tigawa’s Vishnu temple, Bhumara’s Shiva’s temple. 

Paintings reached their peak during the Gupta period. The excellence of Indian art was showcased in the brilliance of the Ajanta’s Buddhist caves and Gwalior’s Bagh caves. Brisk trade relations with the Persian Gulf were made along the route via the Red Sea. The shipbuilding industry hit its peak during this period because of the need for transport for trading. Religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism flourished as generous donations were made towards the maintenance of the temples. The Sanskrit language reached its finest as it reached its peak of perfection. This was the general life in the Gupta and Post Gupta period. 

Land Revenue

During the Gupta period, various types of taxes were levied on the people of the society. Most of the money and resources gained by this means were spent on works that were related to the welfare of the public. One-sixth of the produce was generally fixed as the land revenue during the Gupta period. 

Army

The army was one of the most important elements of the Gupta empire. The army was very organised – infantry (consisting of foot soldiers), chariots, elephants, and cavalry. Each section was handled by different commanders and chiefs. The chariot division was considered a very integral part of the army. Dandanayaka was the designation given to the person who was the military commander or a judicial officer. The officer who was called mahashwapati was in charge of the cavalry. Pilupati was the designation that was given to the officer who was in charge of elephants. Senapati was the military commander who frequently also took up the role of the local administrator when the need came up. The army was paid in cash and its needs were well looked after by an officer-in-charge of stores called Ranabhandagarika. This officer also looked after the supply of weapons such as battle-axes, bows, arrows, spear pikes, swords, lances, javelins, etc.

Agricultural Operations

Agriculture was the main source of income for the people in the Gupta period. This was a major portion of the economy of the kingdom which was obtained in the form of various taxes. Abundant revenues were obtained by the state through custom duties, taxes for service, etc. which were to be paid by the people residing in the kingdom, as well as the people who had come from other parts of the state.  Land grants were given after measuring the land. Irrigation was very important as agriculture was the major part of the economy of the kingdom. As time progressed, the land system began becoming more and more complicated. Land grants were specifically being given to officers or ritual specialists. Sometimes when the type of land granted to the Brahmanas was in the form of a wetland or forest, the donees took on the active role of a pioneer in introducing and promoting agriculture. The Brahmanas became experts in supervising agriculture-related activities, assisted by manuals on agriculture, for example, Krishiparashara, which may be dated to the subsequent period or this period. 

Conclusion

Just like how the fall of the Mauryan empire led to the establishment of the Gupta empire, the fall of the Gupta empire led to the rise of various empires such as Maitrakas of Valabhi, Pushyabhutis of Thaneshwar, and Maukharis of Kannauj, Pallavas, and Chalukyas.