THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE GUPTA EMPIRE

INTROCTION Gupta = great empire that came after the Mauryan Guptans ruled under a golden age – Time of peace, wealth and many achievements – Art and science flourished Palm-leafs books contained many of the Gupta sacred texts

PALM-LEAF BOOKS The traditional book of India and much of Asia Have a long, narrow shape that comes from the leaves of palm they used to construct the book – The leaves have one, two, or three holes and are strung together on a cord. Knots, rings, beads, or coins at each end of the cord keep the book together

RISE OF THE GUPTA Chandragupta = first ruler – United different kingdoms through conquering and marriages Similarities to Mauryans – Central government Council to help the King Differences to Mauryans – Gave their providence more freedom Ruling strategies lead to Golden Age

UNIVERSITIES Built colleges and universities – Many had religious affiliation – Available only to males*

LITERATURE Poetry, fables, folktales, plays… Sanskrit literature – Usually religious literature

PAINTING Painting was a part of life, especially for nobles Painted religious figures or wealthy families Painted on scrolls or wall murals

SCULPTURE Used stone, wood, bronze and terra-cotta clay – Independent statues or carved into walls Portrayed religious figures or important scenes from daily life – Simple and gracefull

METALWORK One of the more amazing accomplishments – Gold, copper, iron Coins Ironwork – Pillar engraved with stories of the various emperors

MATHEMATICS Whole numbers and decimal system – First to treat zero as a whole number Combined math with astronomy – Calculated a year, approximate size of the Earth, shape of planets… Used math in architecture

ROADS Built roads to encourage trade – Connected India with the rest of world Made of hard-packed dirt Designed for safety and comfort Made ditches for water to prevent flooding Signs, rest houses, wells