Gupta Empire- Society, Religion, Literature Notes for UPSC

1. Chandalas and Social Distinctions:

Fa-Hien, the Chinese traveler, observed Chandalas living outside villages, maintaining distance from upper castes.
Chandalas had to announce their arrival to avoid contact and prevent pollution, reflecting hierarchical social norms.

2. Untouchability and Water Contamination:

Acharakkovai mentioned untouchables, known as Pulaiya, making water unfit for higher castes.
The text highlighted the rigid caste-based social structure during the Gupta period.

3. Foreigners and Sub-Castes:

Gupta Empire assigned sub-castes to assimilated foreigners, showcasing flexibility in incorporating newcomers.
Foreign ruling families of the pre-Gupta period received semi-Kshatriya status.

4. Assimilation of Tribal Communities:

Gupta Empire expanded Brahminical culture, assimilating tribal communities into the social structure.
Tribal leaders became Kshatriyas, while ordinary tribals were granted Shudra status.

5. Social and Economic Status of Shudras:

Gupta period marked an improvement in the social and economic status of Shudras.
Shudras were allowed to listen to epics and perform certain rituals, indicating increased social acceptance.

6. Worship of Shudras during Gupta Period:

Shudras in the Gupta period were allowed to worship the deity Krishna.
This demonstrated the expansion of religious practices and the inclusion of new deities.

7. Narada Smriti on Slavery:

Narada Smriti mentioned fifteen types of slaves, discussing their roles as domestic servants.
Insights into the institution of slavery during the Gupta era.

8. Emergence of Tantrism:

Tantrism emerged during the Gupta period due to assimilation of tribal elements and blending Brahminical religion with tribal practices.
Signified the development of Tantrism as a distinct religious and philosophical tradition.

9. Compilation of Ramayana and Mahabharata:

Gupta period saw the compilation of the Ramayana and Mahabharata in the 4th century CE.
These epics played a pivotal role in shaping Indian culture and mythology.

10. Sanskrit as Language of Royal Inscriptions:

During Gupta period, Sanskrit became the language of royal inscriptions.
Consolidation of Brahmanical ideology and popularity of temple-based sectarian cults.

11. Gupta Kings as Bhagavatas:

Gupta kings proclaimed themselves as Bhagavatas, emphasizing devotion to the deity Bhagavat (Vishnu).
The emblem of Bhagavata was Garuda, symbolizing their spiritual alignment.

12. Emergence of Composite Deities:

Gupta period witnessed the emergence of composite deities like Hari-Hara, combining aspects of Vishnu and Shiva.
Reflects religious syncretism during the Gupta era.

13. Nalanda as Center of Education:

During the Gupta period, Nalanda became a renowned center of education, especially for Mahayana Buddhism.
Attracted students from various countries, significant for learning and religious scholarship.

14. Puranas Written During Gupta Period:

Major Puranas like Vishnu Purana, Vayu Purana, and Matsya Purana were written during the Gupta period.
Contributions to preserving religious and mythological narratives.

15. Works Attributed to Kalidasa:

Kalidasa’s notable works include Meghaduta, Abhijyanashakuntalam, Kumarasambhavam, and Raghuvamsha.
Mrichchhkatikam was composed by Shudraka.

16. Authorship of Mudrarakshasa and Devichandraguptam:

17. Authorship of Panchatantra:

Vishnusharman is the author of the Panchatantra, a collection of ancient Indian fables.
Offers moral guidance through engaging animal stories.

18. Kalidasa’s Ritusamhara:

19. Writer of Kiratarjuniya in the 6th Century:

Bharavi, a 6th-century poet, wrote Kiratarjuniya, depicting the combat between Arjuna and Lord Shiva.

20. Dandin’s Contributions:

Dandin, during the Gupta period, wrote Kavyadarshana (treatise on poetics) and Dasakumaracharita (prose romance).
Significant contributions to literature and grammar.

21. Author of Amarakosha:

Amarshimha authored the Sanskrit lexicon Amarakosha.
An important reference for understanding the meaning and usage of Sanskrit words.

22. Kalidasa’s Impact on European Languages:

Kalidasa’s works, translated into many European languages, made him a celebrated classical Sanskrit poet.
Meghaduta, Abhijyanashakuntalam, Kumarasambhavam, and Raghuvamsha are renowned for their literary brilliance.