C. Gupta period

During the Gupta period (4th to 6th century CE), a significant transformation took place in the religious landscape of ancient India. This was a period of cultural and intellectual renaissance, often referred to as the "Golden Age" of India. It was during this time that Bhagavatism, a religious tradition centered around the worship of Lord Vishnu in his various incarnations, also known as avatars, started to gain prominence and became absorbed by Brahmanism in general and Vaishnavism in particular.

- **Gupta period and religious developments:**
- The Gupta dynasty, known for their patronage of the arts and learning, played a crucial role in the assimilation of various religious traditions during their reign.
- The Gupta rulers themselves were patrons of Vaishnavism, particularly the worship of Lord Vishnu in his Krishna avatar, and they actively supported and promoted the growth of this tradition.
- The Gupta period witnessed the rise of several influential religious texts and scriptures, such as the Bhagavad Gita, which played a significant role in shaping Vaishnavite beliefs and practices.

- **Bhagavatism and its assimilation:**
- Bhagavatism, which emphasizes devotion (bhakti) towards Lord Vishnu, gained popularity during the Gupta period.
- This religious tradition can be traced back to ancient texts like the Bhagavata Purana, which narrates the various exploits and incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
- The Gupta rulers, like Samudragupta and Chandragupta II, were known to be devotees of Lord Vishnu, and their support and patronage helped in spreading the influence of Bhagavatism.
- Bhagavatism gradually became integrated into Brahmanism, the dominant religious tradition of ancient India, and Vaishnavism emerged as one of its major sects.

- **Impact on Vaishnavism:**
- Vaishnavism, which had existed as a minor sect within Brahmanism before the Gupta period, gained prominence and became a widely followed tradition during this time.
- The assimilation of Bhagavatism into Vaishnavism resulted in the worship of Lord Vishnu and his avatars becoming central to the religious practices of the followers of Vaishnavism.
- The Gupta period saw the rise of several Vaishnava temples, such as the Dashavatara temple in Deogarh and the Vishnu temple at Tigawa, which further popularized the worship of Lord Vishnu.

In conclusion, the Gupta period witnessed the assimilation of Bhagavatism, a religious tradition centered around the worship of Lord Vishnu, into Brahmanism in general and Vaishnavism in particular. The patronage of the Gupta rulers and the emergence of influential texts played a crucial role in the integration of Bhagavatism into the religious and cultural fabric of ancient India.