Q.41 Discuss the main contributions of Gupta period and Chola period to Indian heritage and culture. GS-I: ART AND CULTURE (UPSC CSE 2022)(250 words/15 marks)

Answer:

Introduction

Both the Guptas (320 CE – 550 CE) and the imperial Cholas (9^th century – 13^th century CE) established great empires with their epicentres in North and South India respectively. The two periods are known for making remarkable contributions in different fields of human activity leaving a rich legacy of heritage and culture. These contributions reached their peak during the Gupta period. Therefore, it is rightly called the Golden Age of India. The Cholas also left an indelible mark in the areas such as temple architecture, maritime trade, and administrative innovations, having a long-lasting impact on South Indian culture and societal structures.

Body

The Gupta period and the Chola period are the two most significant periods in the history of India. The main contributions of the Gupta period are presented below:

• • Sanskrit Literature touched the zenith of creativity during the Gupta The famous playwright Kalidas was one of the Navaratnas in the court of Chandragupta-II. He composed masterpieces like Abhijnanashakuntalam and Meghadutam. These works are still celebrated for their poetic beauty and literary excellence.
  • The mathematicians and astronomers like Aryabhatta and Varahmihira lived during the Gupta period. Aryabhatta discussed the concept of zero and the decimal system. He calculated the value of pie and mentioned the concept of eclipse. He also provided deep insights into trigonometry and numerical calculations in his work Aryabhattiyam. The Gupta period remembered for great contributions in the other fields of science as well such as metallurgy, alchemy, and medicine.
  • The Gupta rulers were great patrons of art and architecture. The Nagara style of temple architecture was introduced during their rule. It is clearly visible in the temples like the Dashavatara Temple in Deogarh, Uttar Pradesh, featuring beautifully carved figures of lord Vishnu’s ten incarnations. Many caves at Ajanta and Ellora were carved and painted during this period.
  • The Gupta period also witnessed the creation of exquisite Buddhist sculptures and stupas, showcasing the development of Gandhara and Mathura schools of The Sarnath Lion Capital, now the national emblem of India, is a prominent example of Gupta art.
  • The Gupta Empire also established an efficient administrative system, promoting good governance and public welfare. A well-organized administration, at both central and local levels, served as the model of stability and prosperity for future administrations.
  • The Gupta rulers laid the foundation of a rich culture based on religious tolerance. They patronized various religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. It helped in strengthening the idea of unity in diversity. The Gupta period witnessed a synthesis of diverse cultural influences, resulting in a vibrant and cosmopolitan society.

The Chola period is remembered for making important contributions in the following areas:

• • The imperial Cholas expanded maritime trade and commerce manifold in the Indian Their navy was one of the most powerful in the world and their empire extended across much of South India and Southeast Asia.
  • The Chola period is known for taking the Dravidian style of temple architecture to the pinnacle of glory as manifested in the Brihadeswara Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the Rajarajeshwar temple. The Chola paintings are also found on the walls of the Brihadeshwara These paintings display various narratives related to Hindu deities and secular aspects.
  • Many Tamil literary works such as Kamba Ramayana and Tirukkural were created during the Chola period. The Cholas patronized numerous centres of learning and scholarship.
  • The Cholas also established an efficient system of administration and governance. They are particularly remembered for the local self-government and judicial system.

Conclusion

Both the Gupta and the Chola periods made significant contributions to India’s heritage and culture. It covers a wide arena including the fields like art, architecture, science, literature, education, trade, commerce, administration and governance. The legacy is intact even after many centuries which keeps on shaping the identity of modern India in the form of various structures, practices and traditions.