Indian History and World History (Part-7)

The Hunas were squarely defeated by Skandagupta. This invasion had no lasting effect on the country, but it indirectly accelerated the pace of decline of the Gupta Empire.

Vishnugupta

• Reign: Around 540–550 CE

• Details:

  • Vishnugupta was the last known Gupta ruler mentioned in inscriptions (e.g., the Bhitari copperplate inscription).

  • His rule marked the final phase of the Gupta Empire, which had already weakened due to repeated invasions by the Hunas (Huns) and loss of central authority.

  • After his reign, the empire fragmented into small kingdoms, and regional powers like the Maukharis and Later Guptas rose in North India.

Key Highlights:

• Revival and Patronage of Hinduism: Gupta rulers, especially Chandragupta II and Samudragupta, were staunch followers of Hinduism. They promoted Vedic rituals, temple construction, and Sanskrit literature.

• Development of Temples and Art: The period saw the construction of beautiful Hindu temples, development of sculpture and iconography, especially of Vishnu, Shiva, and Devi.

• Literature and Scriptures: Great works like the Puranas, Smritis, and epic commentaries were written or compiled. Sanskrit became the language of culture and religion.

• Philosophy and Education: Hindu philosophical schools like Vedanta and Nyaya flourished. Centers like Nalanda and Ujjain became hubs of learning.

• Religious Tolerance: Though Hinduism was dominant, Buddhism and Jainism were also respected and allowed to flourish.

Key Highlights:

• Revival and Patronage of Hinduism: Gupta rulers, especially Chandragupta II and Samudragupta, were staunch followers of Hinduism. They promoted Vedic rituals, temple construction, and Sanskrit literature.

• Development of Temples and Art: The period saw the construction of beautiful Hindu temples, development of sculpture and iconography, especially of Vishnu, Shiva, and Devi.

• Literature and Scriptures: Great works like the Puranas, Smritis, and epic commentaries were written or compiled. Sanskrit became the language of culture and religion.

• Philosophy and Education: Hindu philosophical schools like Vedanta and Nyaya flourished. Centers like Nalanda and Ujjain became hubs of learning.

• Religious Tolerance: Though Hinduism was dominant, Buddhism and Jainism were also respected and allowed to flourish.

Prabhavati Gupta was married to the Vakataka king Rudrasen II.

Atavika states are mentioned in the Prayag Prashasti of Samudragupta. According to the historian Fleet, the Atavika kingdom extended from Ghazipur (Uttar Pradesh) to Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh).

The earliest example of the kingdom of Kamrup is mentioned in the inscription of Samudragupta at Allahabad (Prayagraj).

In this inscription, Kamarupa is described as a border country which was under the Gupta Empire, and this state had friendly relations with the Gupta Empire.

• Deogarh is situated in the Lalitpur district on the banks of the Betwa river.
• This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Panchayatan Temples :

Panchayatan style is a prominent architectural form of Hindu temple construction, especially popular during the Gupta and post-Gupta periods.

• "Panchayatan" means five shrines (Panch = five, Ayatan = abode).

• The layout includes one main shrine in the center (Garbhagriha).

• Four smaller subsidiary shrines are placed at the four corners of the platform.

• The entire temple structure is built on a raised square platform (Jagati).

• These temples are usually dedicated to Hindu deities like Shiva, Vishnu, Durga, Surya, or Ganesha.

• It represents cosmic order, with the main deity at the center surrounded by others.

• One of the best examples is the Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh, Uttar Pradesh.

• This style was most prominent during the Gupta and early medieval periods.

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