Q.10 Discuss the main contributions of the Gupta period and the Chola period to Indian heritage and culture.
Ans: The Gupta and Chola periods are celebrated as golden eras in Indian history, contributing significantly to art, architecture, literature, and culture, leaving a lasting legacy on Indian heritage.
Contributions of the Gupta Period
- Golden Age of Art: Development of classical Indian art. Example: Ajanta and Ellora caves.
- Literature: Flourishing of Sanskrit literature. Example: Works of Kalidasa like Abhijnanasakuntalam.
- Science and Mathematics: Advancements in astronomy and mathematics. Example: Aryabhata’s discoveries.
- Temple Architecture: Early Hindu temple architecture. Example: Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh.
- Coinage: Introduction of gold coins. Example: Gupta gold coins depicting rulers.
- Education: Establishment of Nalanda University. Example: Center for Buddhist learning.
- Religious Tolerance: Promotion of Hinduism alongside Buddhism and Jainism.
Contributions of the Chola Period
- Dravidian Architecture: Grand temple construction. Example: Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur.
- Sculpture: Exquisite bronze sculptures. Example: Nataraja statues.
- Maritime Trade: Expansion of trade with Southeast Asia. Example: Naval expeditions to Sri Lanka.
- Administration: Efficient local governance. Example: Village assemblies (Sabhas).
- Literature: Growth of Tamil literature. Example: Kamban’s Ramayana.
- Irrigation: Advanced water management systems. Example: Grand Anicut dam.
- Cultural Patronage: Support for art and culture. Example: Temple inscriptions detailing donations.
The Gupta and Chola periods enriched Indian heritage through remarkable achievements in art, architecture, literature, and governance, shaping India’s cultural identity.
| Source: NCERT Fine Arts , THEMEs, Also IGNOU Ancient India |
| Keywords: Gupta period, Chola period, temple architecture, literature, sculpture, maritime trade, irrigation. |
| Extra Info: According to the Allahabad inscription, neighbouring five frontier kingdoms and nine republican states of Punjab and western India were overawed by the conquests of Samudragupta. They agreed to pay tribute and taxes to Samudragupta and obey his orders without any fight. The inscription adds that Samudragupta also received tributes from many kings of south – east Asia. It is generally believed that though he had spread his influence over a vast area, Samudragupta exercised direct administrative control mainly over Indo-Gangetic basin. He celebrated his conquests by performing a horse sacrifice (ashvamedha) and by issuing ashvamedha type of coins (the coins portraying the scene of sacrifice) on the occasion. Samudragupta was not only a conqueror but also a poet, a musician and a patron of learning. His love for music is attested by his coins that represent him as playing on a vina (lute). |
| Question the Day Q. What were the major technological changes introduced during the Sultanate period? How did those technological changes influence Indian society? |
| Keywords : Sultanate period, Persian wheel, Indo-Islamic architecture, gunpowder, paper-making, urbanization. |
Topics to be Covered –
| Hindi – समश्रुत भिन्नार्थक शब्द (अ-औ) English – Precis Writing |