HISTORY OF INDIA Medieval Times

GUPTA DYNASTY300 –550 A.D.

Timeline of History Vedic Civilization : 5000 B.C. Indus & Saraswati Civilizations : 2500 - 1000 B.C. Birth of Jainism and Buddhism 563 - 400 B.C. Golden Age of Indian Unity & Govt : Mauryan Dynasty : 325 -

175 B.C. Golden Age of Indian Arts & Sciences : Gupta Dynasty : 300 -

650 A.D. Regional Kingdoms and Muslim Invasions : 700 – 1200 A.D. The Mughal Empire : 1300 - 1700 A.D. The British East-India Company : 1600 A.D. The British Empire : 1700 - 1900 A.D. India's Freedom Struggle : 1857 - 1947 Independence : 1947 Modern India 2020 Vision : 20th and 21st Century

Golden Age of Arts and CultureSUMMARYEmperors: Samudragupta , Chandragupta II,

and HarshavardhanKalidasa who composed Shakuntala was

during this era.Ajanta and Ellora cavtemples were erected.Gold coins were minted es and lots of temples

were built.Sarnath and Mathura during this time. Harsha was supporter of Buddhism and

Hinduism.Nalanda University and Banaras University

were setup during this time

Hierarchy of Rulers

Samudra Gupta (335 – 375 A.D.)Samudra Gupta (335 – 375 A.D.)

ChandraGupta II Vikramaditya (375 – 415 A.D.)

ChandraGupta II Vikramaditya (375 – 415 A.D.)

Chandragupta I (320 – 335 A.D.)

Chandragupta I (320 – 335 A.D.)

Kumar Gupta (415 – 445 A.D.)Kumar Gupta (415 – 445 A.D.)

Harsha Vardhana (606– 647A.D.)

Harsha Vardhana (606– 647A.D.)

Chandragupta IChandragupta was a chieftain who married

Kumaradevi and inherited a small kingdom. Eventually he expanded to become the King

of Magadha. His kingdom was limited to that region.

SamudraguptaSon of Chandragupta I. Crowned

Samudragupta to be the King for his abilities even though he was not the eldest.

He was very adventurous and led his army across the 4800 km span of India and conquered kingdoms along the way.

Performed Ashawamedha Yagna (Horse Sacrifice) and proclaimed himself Emperor.

Very talented in musical instrument of Veena. Study of art, literature, and science flourished.Buddhist monastry at Bodh Gaya was built.

Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya)He extended his rule in every direction but South. He

added the title to his name: Vikramaditya (Son of Power). Hindus still call Vikram Samvat: i.e. beginning of the year

of his kingdom.All his achievements are inscribed on famous iron pillar in

Delhi which remain clear even today.Established direct trade with Egypt and other western

countries.Yagnavalka rishi, Kalidasa lived during this time. Paintings in Ajanta and Ellora caves are from this era. Fa Hien, the Chinese pilgirm spent 11 years during this

time studying Sanskrit and wrote about prosperity.

Kumargupta IFurther expanded the kingdom and

performed Ashwamedh Yagna. No other exceptional achievements are noted

during this time.

Harsha VardhanaHarsha Vardhana became King of Thanesar, north

of Delhi in 606 A.D.He was only 16 when he ascended the throne, but

eventually ruled most of North India from Kathiawar to Bengal for 41 years. Defeated Hun invaders.

Hiuen Tsan, the famous Chinese traveler has recorded his achievements from 630 to 640 A.D.

Nalanda and Banaras University were the most flourishing schools of learning during his time.

He was a supporter of Hinduism and Buddhism. After his death Buddhism lost vitality in India.

KalidasaGreat poet and Dramatist.Considered the chief of the nine gems of Vikramaditya’s

court.Famous drama ‘Shakuntala’ and ‘Meghdoot’.The name ‘Bharat’ came from the classic ‘Shakuntala’.

AdministrationAs efficient as Mauryan empire.Huge military and spy network supported the Emperors.

TradeCommerce as well as works of art flourished in the Gupta

Era.Sea borne trade from Bengal to Ceylon and China was

prevalent.South Vietnam was a Hindu kingdom name Fu-Nan. India also had trade relations with Rome.State owned all the salt and mines and operated industrial

enterprises like royal mint, munitions factory, gold and silver workshops, and weaving and spinning mills.

Golden Age of Culture and ArtsRoyal support gave funding to build Hindu

temples dedicated to worship of Gods like Siva, Visnu, and Divine Mother Durga.

This period is noted for the development of cave art and sculpture. Ajanta’s cave paintings and sculptures of human figures are historic mementoes of the people’s life during the Gupta period.

Science, Mathematics, Painting, Sculpture and Music reached the climax of development.

Ajanta CavesThe Ajanta caves are located 65 miles NE

of Aurangabad in Maharashtra.They are 30 in number and were

originally were carved in 3rd century BC under Buddhist sway. Under Gupta empire they were expanded. The last of the caves was built in seventh century.

The caves are rock-cut temples with frescoes built by Buddhist monks. All the caves have Buddhist theme.

The caves are of two types: chaityas or temples, and viharas or monasteries.

Ajanta CavesThey were discovered in 1819 by British

Military officers during their maneuvers.The older ones (200 BC)are built by followers

of 'lesser vehicle' or Hinayana Buddhism (no direct depiction of Buddha but symbolically represent using stupas, footprints, trees and elephants).

The newer ones after 100AD are followers of ‘greater vehicle’ or Mahayana Buddhism which have larger-than-life depiction of Buddha.

Most famous caves are #1, 16, 17, 19.

Ajanta Caves contd..Cave #1: Last one completed around 5th century AD.

Best example of Vihara architecture with an ornate facade, carved columns, an impressive front hall divided by sculpted pillars and a large image of the Buddha.

Cave #16: has some of Ajanta's best painting and offers the best view of the whole area. It is also possible that this was the principal entrance to the whole temple complex.

Cave #17: has the absolute finest in terms of condition, quantity and quality.

Cave #19: has been called "the sculptor's treasure chest" especially by virtue of the profusion of exquisite carvings on the facade

Ajanta Caves contd..

The Ajanta Caves are carved into a cliff face


The Ajanta Caves are carved into a cliff face


The Ajanta Caves Walkway


Transportation Walkway


Cave 1


Cave #1: Paintings inside the cave


Cave #4: Entrance


Cave #7: Buddha


Cave #7: Sculpture


Cave#7: Miracles of Saraswati Cave#10: Pillar and Wall


Cave#9: Entrance Cave#10: Stupa


Cave # 12: Buddha Statue

Cave#11: Buddha Cave#16: Buddha



Cave #13: Monks bed chambers


Cave #17 Entrance


Cave#19: Entrance


Cave#19: The famous horseshoe shaped window


Cave#19: Exterior Sculpture Cave#19: Stupa


Cave#19: Pillar carvings and Sculpture


Cave #20: Inside View


Cave #26: Sculpture


Scenes from Jataka Tales





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HISTORY OF INDIA Medieval Times