Notes: Culture and Science | Social Studies & Pedagogy Paper 2 for CTET & TET Exams - CTET & State TET PDF Download

During the Gupta Empire, a period of prosperity led to a flourishing era known as the Golden Age. This era witnessed remarkable advancements across various fields including science, technology, engineering, art, architecture, literature, mathematics, astronomy, religion, and philosophy. In South India, the Pallavas in the 7th century played a significant role in the development and patronage of architecture and sculpture.

Iron Pillar of Delhi

The Iron Pillar

• The Iron Pillar in Mehrauli, Delhi, stands as a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship of Indian artisans. Erected around 1500 years ago during the Gupta dynasty, it stands 7.2 meters tall and weighs over 6 tonnes.
• Remarkably, the pillar has not rusted despite its age, owing to the addition of phosphorous in its iron composition.

Architecture of Indian Temples

• Indian architecture flourished with stupas and temples showcasing exquisite craftsmanship.
• A stupa, a domed structure, served as a place for Buddhist meditation, often containing the remains of Buddha or his disciples.
• The pathways around the stupa, known as Pradakshina Path, were adorned with sculptures.
• Early Hindu temples, such as the one in Bhitargaon, featured a Garbhagriha, housing the main deity's image, and a Shikhara (tower) atop it. Most temples also had a Mandapa for congregational prayers.

Indian Temple

• Exceptional stone temples were carved out of single stones, known as Monoliths, in Mahabalipuram and Aihole.

Stupas and Temples

• Building stupas and temples involved multiple stages and considerable expense, often undertaken by kings or queens.

• The process included shaping rough stone blocks into pillars, as well as panels for various architectural elements.
• When constructing religious structures like temples and stupas, it was crucial to position elements correctly before installing the deities. 
• Rulers funded these projects using state funds to compensate craftsmen. 
• Devotees visiting these sites often brought gifts for decoration purposes.
• For example, at the Stupa in Sanchi, a beautiful gateway was sponsored by a group of ivory workers. 
• At Ajanta caves, paintings adorned the interiors, illuminated by torchlight. 
• These ancient artworks, made from natural pigments, retain their vivid colors even after centuries.

Gupta Art and Crafts

The Gupta era witnessed significant advancements in art, architecture, sculpture, and painting across India, earning it the title of the Golden Age. Notable brick temples from this period include those in Bhitargaon, Bhitari, and Deogarh. The Buddhist University at Nalanda was established in the 5th century.

Art from Gupta Empire

Remarkable artistic finds from this time include a bronze Buddha statue from Sultanganj and stupas like Mirpur Khas and Dhamekh. Rock-cut architecture, exemplified by Chaityas and Viharas, can be seen at sites like Ajanta, Ellora, and Udaigiri caves.

The Gupta period also marked the emergence of the Nagara and Dravida styles of temple architecture. The Dasavatara temple at Deogarh stands out as a prime example, featuring intricate carvings and a Shikara.

The Epics and Books

Several renowned epics, including the Silappadikaram and the Manimekalai, were composed during this era. The Silappadikaram narrates the tale of Kovalan, Madhavi, and Kannangi, while the Manimekalai explores the story of their daughter.

Additionally, Hindu religious texts such as the Puranas, containing stories of gods and goddesses, were transcribed. The Mahabharata and Ramayana, ancient tales of epic wars and divine adventures, were also penned down during this period.

The story of the Mahabharata, including the Bhagavad Gita, was transcribed approximately 1500 years ago, preserving an ancient tale. Sage Veda Vyasa is credited with compiling both the Puranas and the Mahabharata.

Science & Technology

Physics

Long before the Greeks, the Vaiseshika school in India expounded on the concept of atoms and molecules. Brahmagupta, in the 6th and early 7th centuries, prefigured Newton's law of gravitation by stating that objects fall to Earth due to the Earth's inherent gravitational pull.

Chemistry

Metallurgy saw significant advancements during this period, with large-scale production of metals like gold, silver, copper, iron, and various alloys. Gupta-era artifacts such as the copper Buddha statue from Sultanganj and the iron pillar of Mehrauli highlight these developments.

Mathematics

Indian contributions to mathematics include the development of a notation system, the decimal system, and the concept of zero. The Indian decimal system, adopted by Arabs, is evident in Ashokan inscriptions, while the earliest use of zero dates back to the 2nd century BC, credited to Brahmagupta.

Astronomy

The Jyotisha Vedanga, dating back to 500 BC, is among the earliest texts dedicated to astronomy. Aryabhatta explained solar and lunar eclipses, postulated the Earth's rotation around the Sun, and accurately calculated the value of pi. Varahamihira, in the 6th century, elaborated on the Earth's rotation and the Moon's orbit.

Medicine

Ancient Indian medical knowledge is documented in texts like the Atharvaveda and Charaksamhita. Charaka discusses various diseases and their treatments, while Susruta's work covers surgical procedures including cataract surgery and rhinoplasty.

Invention of Paper

Paper was first crafted in China around 105 CE by Cai Lun, who processed plant fibers, cloth, and tree bark to create pulp. This technique, initially a closely guarded secret, spread to Korea and Japan before reaching Baghdad around 751 CE. From there, it disseminated to Europe, Africa, and the Indian subcontinent.