Civilization · c. 320 – 550 CE
Gupta Empire
North India's classical golden age of mathematics, science and Sanskrit literature.
Capital: Pataliputra · South Asia
Overview
Under the Guptas, decimal notation and the concept of zero took mature form, Kalidasa wrote his plays, and temple Hinduism assumed its classical shape.
Timeline
- 320Chandragupta I founds the empire
- 375 – 415Chandragupta II — imperial peak
- c. 476Aryabhata born; treatise on astronomy
- c. 550Empire fragments under Huna pressure
Rulers
Founder
Conqueror; 'Indian Napoleon'
Golden-age monarch
Wars & conflicts
- Southern campaigns of Samudragupta
- Hunnic invasions
Architecture
Early stone temples (Deogarh, Udayagiri caves), stupa refinements.
Religion
Vaishnava and Shaiva Hinduism ascendant; Buddhism and Jainism patronized.
Economy
Coined gold dinars, textile and metallurgy exports, guild-based commerce.
Technology
Decimal place-value, zero, iron pillar of Delhi (rust-resistant), Aryabhata's astronomy.
Art
Ajanta murals, Sarnath Buddha, refined Sanskrit poetry.
Influence
Template of classical Hindu civilization; texts diffused across Southeast Asia.
Decline
Huna invasions and internal fragmentation.
Key sites
- Ajanta Caves
- Udayagiri Caves
- Sanchi
- Deogarh