REVIVAL OF HINDUISM AND IMPORTANCE OF GUPTA PERIOD

The complicated and expensive practices of Hinduism, diverted people against it and gradually they showed interest in Buddhism and Jainism
and converted to these religions. But the content of Hinduism was always there, when Buddhism and Jainism flourished in India. These religions
could not destroy Hinduism completely, because Hinduism is such a religion which emerged in the heart of Indian History and Culture. Later
gradual disintegration of Buddhism and Jainism led to the reawakening of Hindus. Of course Buddhism and Jainism have some responsibility
over the reawakening of Hinduism because they make it aware of the evils of Hinduism. The political situation of India is also responsible for the
revival of Hinduism in India.

In reality, the revival of Hinduism started from the Sunga dynasty under Pusyamitra Sanga and passing through several stages it reached its
zenith during the Gupta period. The revivalism of Hinduism is considered as the most striking feature and greatest . achievement during the
Gupta period. During this time Hinduism gained back its lost glory and ground and reached its pinnacle. Though Gupta rulers were great
patrons of Hinduism, yet Buddhism and Jainism . survived. But actually the Brahmanic revivalism gradually led to the decline of Buddhism. But
truely the co-existence of these religions of that period proves the religious tolerance . of Gupta rulers and there is no religious persecution.
Obviously the royal patronage helped Hinduism to revive. The Gupta rulers were staunch . supporters of Hinduism – they initiated to eradicate
evils of Hinduism and tried to make it popular. According to historical sources, it was the two dynasties Naga and Vakatakas that influenced
Guptas for their attitude towards Hinduism. Before the advent of Guptas, a feeling of nationalism emerged among the native dynasties and
clans, which led to the decline of Kushan, one major foreign dynasty of that time. This national movement was started by Nagas (3rd century)
continued by Vakatakas and concluded by imperial Guptas. Thus foreign rule in India was replaced by indigenous rule – influence of foreign art
like Gandhara art shaken Brahmanism revived – use of Pali and Prakrit discarded in favour of Sanskrit. It was the Naga rulers who started this
propaganda against the Kushana rule – they were the worshippers of Hindu God and patrons of Sankrit scholars and Vedic religion. Vakatakas
also tried for the establishment of Hindu sovereignty and reviving Hindu religion. Later these two dynasties eclipsed by the Guptas – i.e. Guptas
became the supreme power but still they regained their position.

Guptas (300 – 500 AD)

During the 4th century AD Gupta Empire sprang up i.e. the centre of political interest. once again shifted to Pataliputra in Magadha – it is
founded by Chandragupta I. Another great emperors in this dynasty were Samudragupta, Chandragupta II (assumed the title of Vikramaditya),
Kumaragupta, Skandagupta etc. Chandragupta II, defeated the Saka dynasty of Malway and Saurashtra. Thus swept away the last vestiges of
the of the foreign rule in India. This calmness led to the revival of Hindu imperialism and thus confusion and disintegration disappeared in the
society and unity established.

Revival of Hindu Religion under Guptas

As mentioned earlier the influence of Nagas and Vakatakas were one of the responsible factor for the Pro-Hindu attitude of Guptas. The
worship of old Vedic gods and the revival of the Asvamedha sacrifices and other Vedic rites (rituals) which had been started by Nagas and
Vakatakas found further favour with Guptas. Brahmanism revived – Buddhism lost its position of state religion due to the lack of royal
patronage – it became a mere sect. Guptas also tried to eradicate the evils of Hinduism and to make it popular. The idea of Bhakti and idol
worship brought a new dimension for Hinduism. The followers of Hinduism were divided into two sects: (1) Vaishnavas and (2) Saivas. Most
Gupta rulers were followers of Vaishnavas. Saivas worshipped in the form of Linga, Nandi, Trishula etc. New progressive ideas emerged in
Hinduism like the idea of purification, combination of old and new religions etc. which generated an encouraging impact and succeeded in
winning the heart of the bulk of the population. The literary and cultural renaissance which began under the Vakatakas flourished under the
Guptas. The arts of architecture, sculpture and painting which had been encouraged by the Vakatakas flourished on large schools in the time
of Guptas. The influence of Greeco Buddhist schools of Gandhara art lost its influence. Instead the scenes and stories of Hindu gods and
avataras were used as the subject both in sculpture and painting. It means the contribution of Guptas towards art, architecture, painting and
music enhanced the revival of Hinduism because in all these fields the influence of Hinduism is visible. Thus, a great Hinduist renaissance
movement started in which full development and achievement in the field of art and literature. So this period is called as the Golden Age of
Hinduism and the period of Hindu Renaissance. At the same time the foreign relation and the expansion took place during this period This
Gupta period is mainly considered as a period of Hindu florescence or Hindu revival not as an overall Renaissance. The Guptas could establish a
wide expanded empire by defeating and destroying so many foreign dynasties which they achieved by arousing a nationalist feelings in every
aspects like – political, social, religious, literacy, artistic and economic – the Guptas gained this feeling by reviving the Hinduist feeling and thus
established the Hindu rule. While considering all these aspects, one notable point is that though Hinduism flourished in this period, the Guptas
never tried for any type of religious persecutions or forced conversions. Buddhism and Jainism also equally prospered here without any
interruption, which proves the religious toleration of the Gupta rulers. According to Fahi-en the Buddhist were even supported and patronised
by Gupta sovereigns. It is obvious that during the time of Guptas, the florescence of Hindu genius and the Hindu culture occurred, rather than
Hindu religion. So it is not a renaissance but a florescence.

Development in Art and Culture of India

As mentioned earlier the Gupta period is considered as the “golden era” in Indian Culture mainly because of the development of art and culture
took place in India during this period. Later these developments were carried out by the successing dynasties i.e. Guptas introduced a trend of
art and culture which is fully influenced by Hinduism. If we look at the artistic remains of ancient India, it also had a religious nature, which is
once again established in Gupta period. The ancient development of art and culture in India is started by the Indus Valley Civilization which is
overlapped by the Aryans in the Vedic society. In the Vedic period the literary and intellectual development was really at its height which
witnessed the creation of Vedas, Upanishads etc. Later, with the emergence of Buddhism and Jainism, it influence in the field of art,
architecture, literature etc. Under Maurya period obviously the Buddha influence was visible in all cultural fields. During the time of Guptas,
when the revival of Hinduism took place, it obviously led to the re-establishment of Hindu culture and trends in all artistic and cultural fields.
Bhakti movement has a unique role in this. This development was chiefly visible in the field of architecture, literature, education, and other
artistic forms such as painting, dance, sculpture etc.

Architecture

The Gupta kings gave grants for building temples where Vishnu and Shiva could be worshipped. These temples were not in the form of caves
cut into the hills as at Ajanta and Ellora, but were constructed of materials like brick and stone. The early temples were very simple, consisting
of just one room where the image of the god was kept. The entrance to this room was decorated with sculpture. Gradually, the number of
rooms increased from one to two, three, four and many more until, in later centuries, the temples became large and several buildings were
included in the temple. If you go to Sanchi, you will see near the stupa of the Buddhists, a small one-roomed temple of this period. In Deogarh
(Jhansi), there is another early temple.The Gupta kings were fond of art. The art of this period is of a very high standard from the point of view
of beauty, ideas and representation. During this period, art, architecture, sculpture and painting reached a remarkable level of excellence. The
Vishnu temple at Deogarh in Jhansi district, a small temple near Sanchi and a brick temple at Bhitragaon, near Kanpur, are good examples of
Gupta architecture.

Literature

The Sanskrit language, which was once ignored under the Buddhist and Jain influence, was patronised during the Gupta period – it gained its
early glory. It was recognised as the court language and was used in their inscriptions and gradually it became the main classical language of
that time. At the same time the Bhakti cult made a great impact on the evolution of regional languages and literature. Moreover many saintly
poets, inspired by this movement, created great works of literature and thus enriched the regional languages. But the position of Sanskrit was
highest – Even the Buddhist scholars, especially the followers of Mahayana cult, began writing their script on Sanskrit – the Jain writers also
switched to Sanskrit, from Pali and Prakrit for their writings. Thus it gradually became the literary language of North India. Great poets,
dramatists and grammarians lived in this period. Some of the well-known scholars who flourished during this time are mentioned below:

1. Kalidas: greatest Sanskrit poet and play write of this age. Meghaduta and Ritusamhara are lyrical poems. Abhijyana Shankunthalam is also
known for its fine characters and imagery. Most important play was Vikramorvashi and Malavikagnimitram.

2. Vishakhadutta: was a great poet and playwright of Gupta period. His two historical plays are (1) Mudra Rakshasa and (2) Devi Chandra
Gupta. Mudra Rakshasa was the story of how Chandra Gupta Maurya manged to get the throne of Magadha and Devi Chandra Gupta is a
historical play dealing with the early life of Chandra Gupta II.

3. Shudraka: his play was “Mrichchakatika,‟ its deals with the socio-cultural condition of Gupta period.

4. Harisena: he was a court poet of Samudragupta, wrote a poem on praising Samudragupta, which is inscribed on Allahabad pillar.

5. Bharavi: he wrote great epic called Kiratarjuna – in it he describes battle between Arjuna and Lord Shiva disguised as Kirata

. 6. Dandin: he was a versatlie writer, his Dash Kumara Charita (tales of the ten Princes) describes the adventures of ten princes. It gives us
information on the socio-cultural conditions of that period.

7. Subandhu: he was a prose writer, his work is Vasavadatta.

8. Aryabhatta: Famous Mathematician and Astronomer. Samudra Gupta also established his fame as Kaviraja through his contributions in
literature. During the Gupta period the Sanskrit Grammar was written by some grammarians like Panini and Patanjali. Panini standardized
Sanskrit. Scientific development also reached its height during this period.

Panchathanthra

During this time the Panchathantra, a collection of fables was written – it is said that these stories were written to teach statecraft to
disinterested princes. It was written by Vishnu Sharma. In these stories, animals and birds play the part of story. These animal stories helps in
instructing children in moral values. The famous work “Hitopadesa” is based on Panchatanthra. It translated into many languages and no other
book except Bible has been translated into so many languages as this famous book. The interest in language continued after the Gupta period.
A number of valuable dictionaries created during this period. Gradually Indian interest in language spread to philosophy like Mimamsa school,
Nyaya etc. Thus Sanskrit became a lingua franca for the whole of India.

Universities

The Gupta rulers encouraged higher learning by patronizing centers of higher education at Nalanda, Takshila, Ujjain, Vikramshila and Vallabhi.
Each university specialized in a particular field of study.

Nalanda University - Nalanda was the great center of learning particularly during Gupta era. The great university of the then era, was
famous for the great legacy it carries regarding the philosophy and thoughts of our glorious past. Nalanda was an epitome of
analytical thinking, intelligence which led it to became a great powerstation of knowledge.

Takshila University - Takshila University. This centre of learning was situated about 50 km west of Rawalpindi in Pakistan. It was not
a well organized university like Nalanda. Panini, the famous Sanskrit grammarian, Kautilya who wrote Arthashastra and Charaka, the
famous physician of ancient India, and Chandragupta Maurya were the products of this university. It gained its importance again
during the reign of Kanishka. It was probably, the earliest of the ancient seats of higher education. The Taxila town was already
famous in about 300 B.C. at the time when Alexander the Great had come to India.

Vikramshila University - Vikramshila University. It was established by the Pala king, Dharam Pala in Bihar (780-815 A.D.). It was
situated in Magadha. Like Nalanda, it was a monastery and a Buddhist seat of learning. It imparted education in many subjects. All
students were provided with free board and lodging. It was attacked by BakhtiyarKhilji towards the end of the l2th century. This
university was responsible for spreading Indian culture in Tibet and Nepal.

Vallabi University. It was situated in modern Gujarat. It was a Buddhist monastery and served as a center of religious learning. The
university specialized in many branches of learning such as Arthashastra, Law, Medicine etc.

Sculptures

So many sculptural schools (styles) were present earlier e.g. Mathura, Bhārhut, Sanchi etc. A good specimen is well known erect Buddha from
Sarnath. In it the icon of Buddha,“turning the wheel of the Law”, or preaching his first sermon, which is the greatest of all other Indian sculpture
and it conveys the true message of Buddhism. It is considered as the main example of Gupta Sculpture. More sculptures were present in
Gwalior, Jhansi, especially depicting Hindu Gods and mythological scences. For e.g. Sun-god Surya (Gwalior) A dancer with girl musicians
(Gwalior) Sanchi Torso, Great Boar (Varaha), Carved at the entrance of a cave at Udayagiri near Bhilsa. Later also under Palas and Senas both
Buddhism and Hinduism icons made e.g. Khajuraho temple (Orissa).

Science: The study of astronomy, medicine and mathematics continued to attract the best minds of the time. This was in part the result of
contracts with other people through trade and the spread of knowledge. Two of the well-known scientists of this time were Aryabhata and
Varahamihira both of whom were astronomers and mathematicians. The interest in astronomoy was of course sharply differentiated from
astrology, where an attempt was made to use the knowledge of the stars for superstitious purposes. Aryabhata explained that the earth moves
around the sun, but his theory was not accepted. Now, of course, it has been proved to be true. Indian mathematicians used the decimal
system and knew about the zero. The system of numerals was far in advance of those used elsewhere. The Indian method of writing numerals
was adopted by the Arabs, and from them, it was taken by the Europeans. So what we call Arabic numerals today is originally, Indian. There was
much interest in the knowledge of metals and experiments were made with missing metals. The Iron pillar at Mehrauli near Delhi is one
example of a superior type of iron used at the time. Books on medicine were also written. The study of language, particularly grammar and
lexicography, was very advanced. The Gupta age, therefore, knew many of the achievements which are associated with an advanced
civilization.

Painting: No description of Gupta art can be completed without a reference to the highly developed art of paintings. The ‘Chitra Sutra’,
‘Kamasutra’ etc are sources for the study of painting of the Gupta period. The paintings in Ajanta caves are world famous. The themes of the
Ajanta paintings are intensely religious in tone and mostly centre round Buddha, Badhistva, incidents from life of Buddha and Jataka. Another
example of Gupta painting is the paintings of the Buddhist caves of Bagh. The paintings of Bagh represent only an extension of the Ajanta
school and in variety of design vigorous execution and decorative quality seem to have ranked as high as those of Ajanta. Though stylistically
the paintings of Ajanta and Bagh belong to the same norms, there is a slight difference between the two. Paintings at Bagh are secular.
Position of Women: The position of women in Hindu society has been different from age to age. In the Vedic age she enjoyed honour and
respect in society. In the Gupta age, the Puranas did their best to improve the lot of the women in some respect of life, but not much could be
done due to some prejudice against women. According to Manavadharmasastra women should be under the protection of their father,
husbands or eldest son as the society was distinctly patriarchal. Yet, woman like Prabhavati Gupta, the daughter of Chandra Gupta II was regent
in the Vakataka kingdom, following the death of her husband.

Dance This art is fully patronised according to Hindu custom. Shiva is considered as master of Dance – and known as Nataraja. Indian dancing
under goes many transformations. Bharata‟s Natyashastra is considered as the main source of Indian dance forms –according to it dancing
(aritya) is closely connected with acting (natya). Main feature of Indian dancing is hand-gesture (mudra). Indian folk dances are also famous.

Music Music also got much importance in medieval society and even mentioned in Sama Veda. One of the main Instrument was veena.
Several references in Bharata‟s Natyashastra.