Describe cultural contribution of samudragupt
Answers
Samudragupta had great attachment to art literature and learning. He composed many poems in Sanskrit and earned the title of Kaviraj (the King of the poets). Many eminent scholars adorned his court and enhanced prestige and dignity. Harisena the writer of the Allahabad inscription was an important personality of his court. He was also a man of musical arts. In some of his coins he is shown as seated on the couch and playing a Vina or lute as a musician. His court poets have extolled his polished intellect, poetic skill and proficiency in music. Samudragupta was also a philosopher.
He is described as one who wanted to go deep into the tattva or the wisdom of the Sastras to be worthy of the company of the wise men. He was also a patron of Buddhist philosopher and author Vasubandhu and himself studied the inner philosophy of Buddhism under the guidance of that learned man.
Samudragupta being an orthodox Hindu and believer of Brahmanical system was tolerant to all other religions. He permitted the king of Ceylone to build a Buddhist monastry at Boudh Gaya for the benefit of the Buddhist monks. He was very generous and sympathetic to the poor. Dr. R.C. Majumdar has said that “Brilliant both as general and statesman. Samudragupta also possessed many qualities of head and heart better suited to a life of peaceful pursuits”.
He gathered round himself a galaxy of poets and scholars whose services he engaged in the process of the creation of a sacred literature. Dr. V.A. Smith has rightly remarked Samudragupta was a man of exceptional personal capacity and usually varied gifts. The rich variety of gold coins of Samudragupta not only marks the height of ancient technical skill in the art of coinage but also exhibits the prosperity of the empire. Samudragupta was indeed a striking personality and ushered a new era an era of material prosperity unmatched in the annals of ancient India