Question

Analyse the nature of polity society and economy under the guptas

Answer 1

The king was the central figure in the administration. They assumed titles like Maharajadhiraja, Samrat, Ekadhiraja, Chakravarthi, Paramabhattaraka, Paramadaivata and Parameswara. The Allahabad Prasasti of Samudragupta eulogizes the king as “equal to the Gods; Dhanada (Kubera), Varuna (Rain God), Indra and Antaka (Yama), who had no antagonist of equal power in the world”.

In Bhitari pillar inscription, Skandagupta is glorified as a person who “subdued the earth and became merciful to the conquered people, but he became neither proud nor arrogant though his glory was increasing day by day”. Kumaragupta is said to have followed the true path of religion.