4th century CE–late 6th century CE

Gupta Empire

The Guptas made a permanent impact on India history not only by building up a large empire but more so because of for their great achievements in the field of art, architecture, science, literature, and culture. The phenomenal progress that the country had made under the rule of Gupta’s justifies calling their age ‘Golden Period’ of Indian history.

The Gupta monarchs were great administrators as well known for their efficient governance. Dwelling on the Dharmasastra of Manu, Yajnavalkya, Naradā, Parashara, and Nitisara of Kamandak, Gupta rulers knew it well that the stability and perpetuity of the state depends on efficient administration of the rulers. They developed an imposing and benevolent system of administration and innovated the administrative system of the earlier times to suit the contemporary political conditions. It is important to mention that significant decentralization of governance also began in India with Guptas. Now provinces had a considerable autonomy in the matter of governance and administration.^[1] The empire was divided into three administrative units viz. central, provisional and city with range of officials for their management. Village remained the smallest unit of administration as like the earlier times. The participation of leading artisans, merchants, traders in urban administration was the characteristic feature of Gupta administration.^[2]

Kingship was hereditary but only the ablest son ascended to the throne with the consent of the council of ministers.^[3] The princes were trained in all branches of learning and military art. Only when one of the princes proves his qualification before the king’s ministers and was popular among the people as well, he was elected as monarch.^[4] The Guptas adopted pompous titles such as Parameshwara, Paramabhagwat, Maharajdhiraha and Parambhattarka which not only signify that they ruled over lesser kings in their empire but most importantly their divine association. These titles signifying their brave nature and kindness, which gave Gupta kings an acceptance within the common masses. Most importantly, the belief persisted that the rulers existed not for their own power and position but for discharging a debt to the people, which they could do by providing good governance. Gupta queens generally called as Devis held in administration an important status with their husbands. Queen found representation on coins of Gupta monarch indicate their high position in the empire.^[5]

On the whole, the administration under the Guptas government was benevolent as can be confirmed from the account of Chinese traveller Fahein who visited India when Chandragupta II Vikramaditya was the Gupta monarch. The literature of Kalidas and Vishakhadatta also contains overwhelming episodes of kindness of Gupta kings for their subjects.

Fa-Hien visited India during the reign of Chandragupta II, and observed that the territories under the Gupta ruler were well governed and order was maintained, life and property were secure, and the roads were very safe for travellers. His travelogue informs us that government did not interfere much in the life of the people under Guptas and there were neither passport regulations nor registration of households. Fa-hien notes that despite Guptas being followers of Brahmana religion, they observed the rule of toleration and generosity towards all sects as many Buddhist monasteries enjoyed royal grants of land. The criminal law was mild and fines were the usual form of punishment. Rebellion was punished by amputation of the hand. Fa-hien found that capital punishment was altogether unknown in Gupta Empire. The revenue was derived chiefly from the crown lands. Mentions of free hospitals founded by benevolent citizens also found mention in Fa-hien’s account. Those at Pataliputra sheltered the cripple, destitute and diseased from any region. Food, medicine, and water were provided free.^[6]

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