Gupta period-from early to peak
We know little about the early Gupta dynasty. Travel diaries and the works of Buddhist monks who frequented this area are our most reliable sources of information about those days. The travel notes of Faxian (Faxian, about 337-422 AD), Xuanzang (602-664 AD) and Yijing (635-7 13 AD) have proved to be very valuable in this respect. During the reign of Sri Gupta, the Gupta Empire (about 240-280 AD) was only composed of Mojeto, or it may be a part of Bangladesh. Like the Peacock Dynasty and other kings before him, Sri Gupta ruled Putra, Patary, near modern Patna. Srigupta was succeeded to the throne by his son Ghatotkacha (about 280-3 19).
The territorial leader who ruled all parts of India could not compete with the superiority of Chandragupta I and had to surrender before him.
Chandragupta i.
King Gupta learned the benefits of maintaining cavalry from the cool people, and Chandraguta I, son of Gatokaha, effectively used his powerful army. Through his marriage to Princess Kumaradawi of Lichhavi, Chandragupta I acquired the ownership of the iron mine adjacent to his kingdom. Metallurgical industry has entered an advanced stage. Wrought iron is not only used to meet internal demand, but also becomes a valuable trade commodity. The territorial leader who ruled all parts of India could not compete with the superiority of Chandragupta I and had to surrender before him. Presumably, at the end of his reign, the territory of Gupta Empire had expanded to Allahabad.
Radial
Samudra Gupta (about 335-375 AD) was the son of Chandragupta I, who later ascended the throne, and was a military genius. He continued to promote the development of the kingdom. After conquering the rest of North India, the boundless Gupta turned his attention to South India and joined some of them in his empire at the end of his southern expedition. It is generally believed that in his time, the Gupta Empire spanned the Himalayas in the north, the estuaries of Krishna River and Godavari River in the south, Balkh in Afghanistan in the west and Yarlung Zangbo River in the east.
Samudragupta attached great importance to rajdharma (the duty of the king), and paid special attention to Kautilya (350-275 BC), an economic, social and political paper that clearly explained how to govern the monarchy. He donated a lot of money for various charitable purposes, including promoting education. In addition to being a brave king and capable manager, he is also a poet and musician. Lots of gold. The coins he issued showed his versatility. An inscription, probably entrusted by the late King Gupta, is called Allahabad Stone Pillar, which best illustrates his humanitarian quality. Samudragupta also believes in promoting goodwill among religious groups. For example, he allowed and supported King Megawa of Ceylon to build a temple in Bodhgaya.
candragupta
After Samudra Gupta's rule, there seems to have been a brief power struggle. His eldest son Rama Gupta became the next king of Gupta. Bambata, a Sanskrit writer in the 7th century AD, noticed this in his biography Hasha Charita. The following forms part of Devi Chandra Guptam, a Sanskrit poet and playwright. It is said that Rama Gupta was soon conquered by a king of Skettian in mathura. But besides the kingdom itself, the King of Thailand is also interested in Queen David of Daroi, who is also a famous scholar. In order to keep the peace, Rama Gupta gave Dhruvadevi to his opponent. Just then, Chandlagupta II, brother of Rama Gupta, took several of his cronies to meet the enemy in disguise. He saved Dhruvadevi and assassinated the king of Thailand. Dhruvadevi condemned her husband's behavior. In the end, Rama Gupta was killed by Tantra Gupta II, who later married Daroi David.
Like Samodragupta, Chandragupta II (about 380-4 14) was a kind king, capable leader and skillful manager. By defeating Governor Sorashtra, he further expanded the coastline of his kingdom, the Sea of * * *. His brave pursuit won him the title of Vikramaditya. In order to rule this vast empire more effectively, Chandragupta II established his second capital in Ujain. He also paid attention to strengthening the navy. Tamralipta and Sopara seaports have thus become busy maritime trade centers. He is also a great patron of art and culture. Some of the greatest scholars at that time, including Navaranje (Nine Gems), graced his court. Many charities, orphanages and hospitals have benefited from his generosity. There is a place for passengers to rest on the roadside. Gupta Empire reached its peak during this period, and all areas of life made unprecedented progress.
Politics and administration
The governance of a huge empire shows great wisdom and foresight. The efficiency of their military system is well known. This great kingdom was divided into smaller Prudesh provinces, and the chief executive was appointed to manage them. The king maintains discipline and transparency in bureaucratic procedures. The criminal law is mild, the death penalty is unheard of, and judicial torture is not practiced. Faheen called mathura and Patali Putra picturesque cities, while the latter was described as Flower City. People can walk freely. Law and order predominate. According to Fa Xian, theft and burglary rarely occur.
The following also fully illustrates the caution of King Gupta. Samudragupta acquired most of southern India, not that he wanted to merge into his empire. So in many cases, he returned the kingdom to the original king and was only satisfied with taxing them. He believes that the distance between this part of the country and its capital, Patary Putra, will hinder the process of good governance.
Socioeconomic conditions
People live a simple life. Commodities are affordable, and overall prosperity ensures that their needs can be easily met. They prefer vegetarianism and avoid alcoholic drinks. The constant influx of gold and silver coins is a general indicator of health. Trade at home and abroad is booming. Silk, cotton, spices, medicines, priceless gems, pearls, precious metals and steel are all exported by sea. Highly evolved steel technology makes everyone believe that iron in India will not be corroded. The 7-meter-high iron column built in the Kutup complex in Delhi around 402 AD is proof of this fact. Trade relations with the Middle East have improved. Ivory and tortoise shells from Africa, silk from China and the Far East and some medicinal plants are among the best in the import list. Grain, cereals, spices, salt, precious stones and gold bars are the main commodities in inland trade.
religion
King Gupta knows that the well-being of the empire lies in maintaining friendly relations between communities. They themselves are devout Vishnu (Hindus, who worship the supreme creator as Vishnu), but this does not prevent them from being tolerant of the followers of Buddhism and Jainism. Buddhist temples accept generous donations. The Book of Changes observed how King Gupta built hotels and rest places for monks and other pilgrims. As an excellent place for education and cultural exchange, Nalanda flourished under their sponsorship. Jainism is prevalent in northern Bangladesh, Gola Kebl, Giri, Udaja and Gujarat. There are several Jain institutions in the whole empire, and Jain committees often appear.
Literature, science and education
Sanskrit once again gained the status of a common language and successfully reached a higher level than before. Cali, a poet and playwright, wrote such epics as Shagondaro, Kanimitlam in Malawi, Laguwansha and Kumara Samba. Harry Nana is a famous poet, caroler and flute player. He created Allahabad Plazas Ti, sudra created Muli Shaka Tika, ViShahada Tower created Mulder Lalak Sa and Vishnu Shama created Panchattantra. Varaluchi, Bodyanna, Isiva Krishna and Batri Hari all contributed to Sanskrit and oral linguistics, philosophy and science.
Varahamihira wrote Brihatsamhita, which contributed to astronomy and astrology. Aryabhata, a talented mathematician and astronomer, wrote Sawyer Siddhartha, which covers many aspects of geometry, trigonometry and cosmology. Shanku devoted himself to writing books about geography. Dhanvantri's discovery has helped India's Ayurveda medical system become more perfect and efficient. Doctors are good at surgery and have been vaccinated against infectious diseases. Even today, Dhanvantri's birthday is celebrated in Dhanteras two days before Diwali. This surge of intellectuals is not limited to the courts or members of the royal family. People are encouraged to learn the nuances of Sanskrit literature, speeches, intellectual debates, music and painting. Some educational institutions have been established, and existing institutions have received continuous support.
Art, architecture and culture
Philosopher and historian ananda Coomaraswamy wrote in Arts and Crafts in India and Ceylon (The Arts & amp； Indian Handicraft Company; What Ceylon said about the art of this area must be remembered here.
Hindus do not believe that religious, aesthetic and scientific views necessarily conflict with each other. In all their best works, whether music, literature or modeling, these views are so clearly distinguished and inseparable today.
The best examples of painting, sculpture and architecture can be found in Ajanta, Eilola, Rokuyaon, mathura, Anura Depreux and West Giria. The basic principles of Shilpa Shasrta are observed everywhere, including in urban planning. The golden stairs inlaid with stones, iron columns (which are twice as big as those in Delhi), beautifully designed gold coins, jewels and metal sculptures fully illustrate the skills of metalworkers. Ivory carving, woodcut and lacquer art, brocade and embroidery textiles are also flourishing. Practicing vocal music, dance and seven musical instruments, including Wiener (an Indian musical instrument), flute and mridangam (drum), is the norm rather than the exception. These are held regularly in temples as a symbol of dedication. In the classic Indian style, artists and writers are encouraged to meditate on these images and capture their essence in their works. As Asheni's book of past lives suggested, "Lord of the gods, please teach me how to do all the work in my heart in my dream."
The decline of the empire
After the death of his father Chandra Gupta II, Kumara Gupta I (about AD 4 15-455) ruled a huge empire with skill and ability. He can keep the peace and even resist the powerful challenge from a tribe called Pushyamitra. He was helped by his capable son Kanda Gupta (455-467 AD), who was the last monarch of Gupta dynasty. He also successfully stopped the invasion of Xiongnu. Kanda Gupta is a great scholar and wise ruler. For the benefit of residents, he has carried out many construction projects, including rebuilding the dam on Lake Sudashan in Gujarat. But this is the last glorious years of the empire.
After the death of Kanda Gupta, the dynasty was involved in internal conflicts. The rulers lacked the ability of the early emperors to rule such a large kingdom. This led to the decline of law and order. They were constantly attacked by Xiongnu and other foreign forces. This damaged the economic prosperity of the empire. Most importantly, kings are more busy with self-indulgence than preparing for the challenge of the enemy. Inefficient ministers and chief executives have followed suit. It is worth noting that after defeating and capturing Mipinggracula, one of the most important emperors at that time, ElBaradei, King of Gupta, released him at the suggestion of his ministers. Later, the Huns came back to haunt the empire and finally opened the curtain for this glorious empire in about 550 years. Mricchakatika (small clay truck) appropriately summed up the rise and fall of Gupta dynasty's wealth.
Fate teases us like a bucket by the well,
One full of empty shells,
One goes up and the other goes down;
Shows how life has changed-now it's heaven and now it's hell.