The Gupta Empire of India Global Studies 9 Mrs. Hart and Mrs. Bernier

Geographic Setting of the Gupta Empire Both the Mauryan and Gupta Empires united much of the Indian subcontinent. Mountains helped protect these civilizations from foreign invaders. The Indus and Ganges Rivers also provided water and fertile soil for farming.

Government Gupta rulers maintained a strong central government, but also gave great power to local leaders. These leaders were elected by the merchants and artisans. In each village, a headman and council made decisions for the village. Women had once been allowed to serve on the councils. But under Hindu law, more restrictions were placed on them and they lost that right.

Hinduism and Gupta Society Hinduism strongly influenced Gupta society. Under the caste system, people were born into specific social classes out of which they could not move in their lifetimes. If they had good karma and followed the rules of dharma, they could move up to a higher caste in their next lives.

Village Life Village life was governed by caste rules and traditions, which created a stable society. People in higher castes did not want to be contaminated by people in lower castes, so there were strict rules to prevent that from happening. The people of the lower castes got the worst jobs in society, with the Untouchables being the lowest caste.

Family Life People lived as extended families, which included parents, children, grandparents, and aunts and uncles. Families were patriarchal, meaning the oldest male was the head of the household. Marriages were arranged for children by their parents, and they had to marry within their own caste.

Golden Age of the Gupta Dynasty Under Gupta rule, an environment of peace and prosperity allowed for scientific and artistic achievements to flourish. India experienced a golden age, with contributions made in the areas of mathematics, medicine, architecture, and language.

Contributions Mathematics Zero and the decimal system Arabic numerals Medicine Herbs to treat illnesses Surgery to set bones and plastic surgery Vaccine for small pox

Contributions Architecture Hindu temples filled with carvings of gods and goddesses Buddhist shrines known as stupas Language and literature Sanskrit – an ancient Hindu and Indian language.