Gupta age as Golden or classical age? discussed by Harsh
Gupta empire was in existence from Mid-3rd century AD to Mid-6th Century BC but it was reached to its extent during the period c. 317 AD – c. 467 AD. Gupta age was presented as the Golden age by the Nationalist school of Indian History in the counter of Colonial School of Indian History. The Gupta dynasty was founded by Sri Gupta.
Also Read: Gupta Period – Socio-Cultural Life
Gupta Age – Nature and Character of Administration
Vakatakas and Other Dynasties of Peninsular India (c. 300 AD – c. 600 AD)
Concept of Golden Age
It refers to that phase of human history during which very high level of progress was attained in almost every sphere of human life. Such progress is inclusive in nature. The concept of Golden age was put forward by the Nationalist historians to counter the negative propaganda unleashed by colonial historians. As they portrayed certain periods of Indian history as Dark age to downgrade the self-esteem and pride of Indians and to justify the British rule in India.
The Nationalist historians portrayed this age as Golden age because till that time hardly anything was known about Mauryan age and the resources of information about the Guptas were plenty in number. Hence, the Gupta age was obvious choice.
Critical Examination of Goldenness of Gupta Age
The political unity and integrity were largely limited to North India during the Gupta age. Peninsular India was under the nominal control of Guptas as they used to send part of their revenue as tribute. There was no other link between Guptas and Peninsular kingdoms. Judicial system was not as liberal as Fa-Hien tried to portrayed because Junagarh inscription clearly mentioned that capital punishment was prevalent during this age.
Tortures were frequently used for extracting the truth from criminals. Eyes of criminal were scooped out as punishment. Many times, criminals were thrown in front of elephants as a mean of punishment. After the death of Skanda Gupta, weak rulers sat on thrown who could not defend their empire against the attack of Hunas which result in disintegration of empire.
The progress in the field of art and culture was limited to religious structures. The secular dimensions of architecture witnessed limited progress. The progress in literature and language was only limited to Sanskrit and it was the language of elite. Hardly any progress was seen in the language of masses i.e., Prakrit. The economic life of this age was characterized by down hill trends during the later half of the 5th century AD and thereafter.
The condition of common masses was same as before, hardly any progress was made in life of common masses. The gold coins were hardly used by common peoples. A number of social evils like Sati, Veiling practice, Devadasi system etc. were commenced for first time.
Thus, these limitations of Gupta age clearly indicates that the goldenness of Gupta age was limited to few areas and activities. Thus, this age could be accepted as Golden age but only in degrees not in absolute terms.
Gupta Age as Classical Age
Classical age refers to that phase of human history during which progress of a such a high level was witnessed in different spheres of human life that it becomes model for future generations. Classicism manifests itself in the form of climax. The progress of such a high level was never seen before or afterwards. The classicism of this age can be conceived in the light of the developments of pre-Gupta period and developments that follow Gupta age.
Elements of Classicism
The political unity and integrity witnessed during this age was having parallels. No such unity was witnessed for many centuries before and after this period. The progress in Sanskrit language also reflects the classicism of this age. Temple architecture witnessed unparallel progress during this age. The Nagara style of temple architecture was emerged during this age and large number of temples were built during this age.
The progress in the field of sculpture also reflects classicism as the schools of Mathura and Gandhara was continued to flourished during this age. Banaras school of art also flourished during this age. Painting found in Ajanta and Bagha caves also reflects classicism. Progress in science and technology during this age was never seen before and afterwards.
Music and dance were flourished during this as they not only practiced by common peoples but they also patronized by the state. The politico-administration system of Guptas was also liberal, progressive, efficient and effective which all are the traits of a classic administration system.
Limitation of Classicism
The classicism of this age can be accepted in degrees but not in absolute terms because it was the of imperialistic political system where participation of people in state affairs was negligible. The high level of progress in various spheres of human life was limited to the upper or rich section of the society. Hardly any classicism can be founded in the life of common masses.
Thus, the Gupta age cannot be accepted as the Golden or Classic age in absolute term because of the number of limitations.