Discuss social organistion and improvements in agriculture,crafts and trade during tha guptas period.
Answers
The Guptas had a major role to play in the social and cultural advancement of the Indian subcontinent. Under their rule, the whole of the sub-continent came under a centralized kingdom, despite the absence of standard or unified administrative system. The agriculture sector progressed along with crafts, architecture, constructions and trade.
Rowland described the period under the Gupta dynasty to have achieved such an extent of perfection that has never been achieved before. According to him it was “a perfect balance and harmony of all elements, stylistic and iconographic elements inseparable in importance” (Litvinsky & Guang-da 1999; 22).
Literary and Cultural sectors witnessed enrichment, under the Imperial race. Sanskrit, which was considered as the language of the educated intellectual class and was only confined in writing literary works which became the official language of the Gupta dynasty. The great epics Mahabharata and Ramayana underwent a final recension as a manuscript and thus, enjoyed a renewed popularity. Furthermore, cultural drama based on literary plays underwent progressive development and extraordinary perfection through the characterization of “Toy-cart and the famed Kalidasa’s rich and sensuous poetic drama ‘Sakuntala’” (Litvinsky & Guang-da 1999; 22).
According to the accounts of Fa-Hsien- the Chinese traveler and Buddhist pilgrim, who travelled extensively in India from 405 to 411, precisely during the reign of Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya). His records project a glimpse into the administration of Chandragupta II, portraying an insight into the civilisational development under the dynasty’s rule. He expressed, “efficient and benevolent government and a merciful justice system, the rarity of crime and the generally peaceful state of the land” (Upshur et al. 2011; 289). Travelling from one part of the country to another was safe without any fear of molestation or the need of any passport. Moreover, cattle rearing including swine and fowls were nearly absent with no presence of wine or meat shops. For trade and commerce, cowrie-shells were used within the reign and also barter system prevailed (Upshur et al. 2011; Duiker & Spielvogel 2008). Besides, banking system also developed through foreign trade, especially in the 2nd century B.C.E., after the introduction of copper and gold coins in the Middle East. Though Duiker & Spielvogel indicated that, there was limited circulation of coins.
The Gupta rule also led a considerable effect on religion. Buddhism flourished immensely under the patronage of the Gupta rulers, who were ardent believers in the sect. Both Mahayana and Hinayana sect of Buddhism prospered, mainly due to trade and commerce with China, Southeast Asia and the Mediterranean. Duiker & Spielvogel (2008) believed the growth of economically prospered cities along the main trade routes with notable temples and Buddhist monasteries to be the reason behind such a religious development. This resulted in transforming the major religious centers into a pilgrimage attracting pilgrims from as far away from China.