The Gupta Era Class 7 Notes | Golden Age of India (NCERT)
Ch 7: The Gupta Era – An Age of Tireless Creativity
गुप्त काल – अथक सृजनशीलता का युग
The Gupta Era: An Age of Tireless Creativity (English Notes)
The Gupta Era is considered one of the most glorious periods in Indian history. It is often referred to as the Golden Age of Ancient India because of the remarkable achievements made in the fields of administration, art, literature, science, mathematics, religion, and culture.
The Gupta dynasty ruled large parts of northern India roughly from the 4th century CE to the 6th century CE. During this period, India witnessed peace, prosperity, and cultural growth, which allowed scholars, artists, and scientists to flourish.
Rise of the Gupta Dynasty
The Gupta dynasty was founded by Sri Gupta, but the real foundation of Gupta power was laid by Chandragupta I. He assumed the title of Maharajadhiraja (King of Kings) and expanded his empire through marriage alliances and military strength.
His successors, especially Samudragupta and Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya), further strengthened the empire and made it one of the most powerful kingdoms of its time.
Administration and Governance
The Guptas followed a well-organized system of administration. The king was the supreme authority, but local administration was also given importance. Provinces were governed by officials, and villages had local councils.
Land grants were given to Brahmins and officials, which helped in administration but also increased the power of local landowners.
Economic Prosperity
The Gupta period was marked by economic stability and prosperity. Agriculture was the main occupation, and trade flourished both within India and with foreign regions like Southeast Asia and the Roman Empire.
Gold coins issued by Gupta rulers show their wealth and strong economy. Crafts such as weaving, metalwork, and pottery also developed greatly.
Art and Architecture
Gupta art is known for its simplicity, balance, and beauty. Sculptures of this period show calm expressions and ideal human forms.
Famous examples include:
- Buddha statues from Sarnath
- Ajanta cave paintings
- Temples made of stone and brick
Literature and Education
The Gupta age saw the rise of great scholars and writers. Kalidasa, one of the greatest Sanskrit poets, wrote famous works like Abhijnanashakuntalam and Meghaduta.
Universities like Nalanda became centers of higher learning, attracting students from different parts of the world.
Science and Mathematics
Gupta scholars made significant contributions to science and mathematics. Aryabhata explained the concept of zero, decimal system, and rotation of the Earth.
Medical knowledge also advanced, with texts on surgery and medicine being written.
Religion and Society
Hinduism flourished during the Gupta period, but Buddhism and Jainism were also respected. Religious tolerance was an important feature of this era.
Society was divided into varnas, but social harmony was largely maintained.
गुप्त काल – अथक सृजनशीलता का युग (हिंदी नोट्स)
गुप्त काल को भारतीय इतिहास का स्वर्ण युग कहा जाता है। इस काल में कला, साहित्य, विज्ञान, गणित, प्रशासन और संस्कृति का अभूतपूर्व विकास हुआ।
गुप्त वंश का शासन लगभग चौथी शताब्दी से छठी शताब्दी ईस्वी तक रहा। इस काल में देश में शांति और समृद्धि थी, जिससे विद्वानों और कलाकारों को आगे बढ़ने का अवसर मिला।
गुप्त वंश का उदय
गुप्त वंश की स्थापना श्रीगुप्त ने की, लेकिन साम्राज्य की वास्तविक नींव चंद्रगुप्त प्रथम ने रखी। उन्होंने महाराजाधिराज की उपाधि धारण की।
समुद्रगुप्त और चंद्रगुप्त द्वितीय (विक्रमादित्य) ने साम्राज्य का विस्तार कर उसे शक्तिशाली बनाया।
प्रशासन व्यवस्था
गुप्त काल में प्रशासन सुव्यवस्थित था। राजा सर्वोच्च शासक था, लेकिन स्थानीय शासन को भी महत्व दिया गया।
ग्राम सभाएँ और प्रांतीय अधिकारी प्रशासन में सहायक थे।
आर्थिक समृद्धि
कृषि मुख्य व्यवसाय था। व्यापार और वाणिज्य का भी विकास हुआ। गुप्तकालीन स्वर्ण मुद्राएँ आर्थिक समृद्धि को दर्शाती हैं।
कला और स्थापत्य
गुप्त कला सादगी और सौंदर्य के लिए प्रसिद्ध है। सारनाथ की बुद्ध मूर्तियाँ और अजंता की गुफाएँ इस काल की श्रेष्ठ कृतियाँ हैं।
साहित्य और शिक्षा
कालिदास जैसे महान कवि इसी काल में हुए। नालंदा विश्वविद्यालय शिक्षा का प्रमुख केंद्र था।
विज्ञान और गणित
आर्यभट्ट ने शून्य, दशमलव पद्धति और पृथ्वी के घूर्णन का सिद्धांत दिया।
धर्म और समाज
हिंदू धर्म का विकास हुआ, लेकिन बौद्ध और जैन धर्मों को भी संरक्षण मिला। धार्मिक सहिष्णुता इस युग की विशेषता थी।
Questions & Answers – Chapter 7
A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Who founded the Gupta dynasty? (a) Ashoka (b) Sri Gupta (c) Harsha (d) Kanishka
- The Gupta period is known as: (a) Dark Age (b) Golden Age (c) Medieval Age (d) Modern Age
- Who was Vikramaditya? (a) Samudragupta (b) Chandragupta II (c) Sri Gupta (d) Skandagupta
- Nalanda was famous for: (a) Trade (b) Education (c) War (d) Agriculture
- Who wrote Meghaduta? (a) Aryabhata (b) Kalidasa (c) Charaka (d) Panini
- Ajanta caves belong to which period? (a) Maurya (b) Gupta (c) Mughal (d) British
- Who introduced the concept of zero? (a) Varahamihira (b) Aryabhata (c) Kalidasa (d) Brahmagupta
- Main occupation during Gupta age was: (a) Trade (b) Agriculture (c) Fishing (d) Mining
- Gupta rulers issued which coins? (a) Silver (b) Copper (c) Gold (d) Iron
- Which religion flourished during Gupta age? (a) Only Buddhism (b) Only Jainism (c) Only Hinduism (d) All were respected
B. True or False
- The Gupta age is called the Golden Age of India. (True)
- Kalidasa was a scientist. (False)
- Aryabhata was a mathematician. (True)
- Gupta rulers discouraged education. (False)
- Nalanda attracted foreign students. (True)
- Gupta art was crude and rough. (False)
- Agriculture was important in Gupta economy. (True)
- Gupta period had religious intolerance. (False)
- Samudragupta expanded the empire. (True)
- Gupta rulers issued no coins. (False)
C. Short Answer Questions
- Why is the Gupta period called the Golden Age?
- Name two Gupta rulers.
- Who was Kalidasa?
- What was Nalanda?
- Mention one contribution of Aryabhata.
- Which art forms developed during Gupta period?
- What was the main occupation of people?
- How was Gupta administration organized?
- Which religions flourished during Gupta age?
- Name one famous Gupta monument.
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