Question

Write a description of the social and religious life during the Gupta Age.

Answer 1

Answer:

The Gupta Empire's social structure was greatly impacted by religion. During the Gupta Empire, both Buddhism and Hinduism were widely prevalent. Hinduism's principles and characteristics have helped it endure over time. Buddhism's collapse in the Gupta Empire was a result of its idealistic nature. In the Gupta Empire, it was a widely practiced religion and had a significant role in ritual creation.

Explanation:

Social life:

• The caste structure hardened throughout the Gupta dynasty.

• The apex of society was populated by Brahmins.

• During this time, the practice of untouchability had just started. Fahien makes reference to Chandalas' isolation from society.

• The Gupta era saw a terrible decline in the status of women.

• forbidden to read holy literature, such as the Puranas

• But it was emphasized that males should guard them and treat them well.

• Swyamvara tradition was abandoned, and the Manusmriti recommended early marriage for girls.

Religious life:

During the Gupta era, Brahmanism was the dominant religion. Shaivism and Vaishnavism were its two main subsectors. Vishnu became known as the god of devotion and was later portrayed as the varna system's savior. In his honor, the whole Purana known as Vishnupurana was composed, and the name Vishnusmriti was given to a legal text. It was well-established that Sanskrit was used for regal inscriptions.

The worship of idols spread, and the temples built during the Gupta era contained the idols of many manifestations of Vishnu. The religious adornment and color of the agricultural festivals that were observed by individuals of diverse social groups became lucrative sources of wealth for the priests.

Hence both continuity and change were present in the Gupta age's social and religious life.

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