Question

Explain any three sources to know about the Gupta Empire.

Hint:

In ancient history, a combination of archaeological evidence, inscriptions, and contemporary accounts provide a fuller picture of a civilization's culture and administration.

Answer 1

There are several sources of information about the Gupta Empire, which is often referred to as the "Golden Age" of India. The major sources include:
1. Archaeological Evidence: Excavations at sites like Ujjain, Pataliputra, and Allahabad provide evidence of Gupta architecture, inscriptions, and coins that help reconstruct the empire's history. Notable Gupta rulers, such as Chandragupta I and Samudragupta, are depicted on coins, which give insights into their rule and military victories.
2. Inscriptions: The Allahabad Pillar inscription of Samudragupta, written by his court poet Harisena, is one of the most important sources. It records the military achievements of Samudragupta and his patronage of arts and culture.
3. Literary Sources: Ancient texts such as the Puranas and the writings of Chinese travelers like Faxian and Xuanzang provide valuable details about the political, social, and economic aspects of the Gupta Empire. These sources mention the prosperity and stability during the reign of Gupta rulers.
Thus, these three sources—archaeological evidence, inscriptions, and literary texts—are key to understanding the Gupta Empire's achievements.