Post Gupta Age | SSC CGL Tier 2 - Study Material, Online Tests, Previous Year PDF Download

Harshavardhana: The Final Epoch of Ancient Glory

• History and Extent: After the Gupta Empire's decline, the Vardhana Empire ascended, with Harsha assuming control at the young age of 16. His dominion spanned North and North-western India, encompassing areas directly ruled by him and territories under various states and kingdoms as feudatories.
• Administration and the Empire: Harsha's governance mirrored that of the Gupta Empire. His realm abolished slavery, emphasizing personal freedom. The ruler exhibited benevolence by constructing rest houses for the destitute. The capital, Kannauj, thrived as a hub for artists, poets, religious leaders, and scholars. Harsha bolstered his rule with a formidable military, aided by tribute-paying independent rulers.
• Art and Education: Harsha's patronage extended to both art and education. His prolific pen crafted three Sanskrit plays, while a quarter of the revenue supported scholars. Nalanda University flourished under his reign, becoming a beacon of knowledge.
• Society and Religion: While the caste system persisted, the status of women dwindled compared to earlier liberal eras. Harsha, initially a Shiva worshipper, later embraced Mahayana Buddhism, embodying religious tolerance.
• Death and Legacy: Harsha's legacy marked the dawn of feudalism in India, witnessing the empowerment of local landlords. After four decades of rule, Harsha's demise left an indelible imprint on Indian history.

2. Pallavas: Architects of Southeastern Splendor

• History: The Pallavas, a dynasty reigning from the 3rd to the 9th centuries CE, left an indelible mark on southeastern India.
• Imperial Pallavas and End of Rule: Simhavarma's triumph over the Ikshvaku king initiated the Imperial Pallavas era. Narasimhavarman I elevated the dynasty's prestige, but Vikramaditya II's incursion signaled the wane of Pallava dominance. The dynasty succumbed to attacks by the Pandyas, western Gangas, and Rashtrakutas.
• Administration: The Pallavas organized their rule with a monarchy at its core, dividing the state into Kottams. Villages, categorized by population and purpose, enjoyed autonomy, embodying self-sufficient miniature republics.
• Religion and Education: Pallavas initially supported Buddhism and Jainism, later embracing Vaishnavism and Saivism. They championed learning, with the University of Kanchi attracting scholars. Literary and religious works flourished during their reign.
• Art and Architecture: Pallavas were stalwarts of Indian art and architecture. From cave temples to structural marvels like the Pancha Pandava Rathas, their legacy includes masterpieces like the Descent of Ganges. Pallava patronage also nurtured music, dance, and painting.
• Legacy: Pallavas served as torchbearers of Hindu culture in Southeast Asia, contributing to the creation of Greater India.

3. Chalukya Dynasty: Southern Sovereignty

1. Chalukyas of Kalyani and Eastern Chalukyas: After a dormancy period, the Chalukyas revived in 973 C.E., with Vikramaditya VI reigning as their greatest ruler. The dynasty's dissolution in 1180 heralded the rise of the Hoysalas, Kakatiya, and Seuna. The Eastern Chalukyas, centered in Vengi, evolved into an independent kingdom.
2. Art and Architecture: The Badami Chalukya dynasty fostered the Vesara style of architecture, contributing to South Indian art's zenith. Their patronage extended to literature, with Kannada witnessing literary luminaries during the ninth – tenth century.
3. Governance and Religion: Chalukya governance involved autonomous regions, land divisions, and a robust military. They adhered to Vedic Hinduism, incorporating elements of Shiva and Vishnu worship.
4. Legacy and Modern Celebrations: The Chalukyas' imprint endures through cultural festivals like Chalukya Utsava, celebrating their contributions to art, craft, music, and dance. This annual event attracts artists nationwide, symbolizing the enduring legacy of the Chalukya dynasty.
5. Intricately weaving through time, the Post Gupta Age unravels a rich tapestry of India's ancient history, revealing the nuanced transitions and enduring legacies of Harshavardhana, Pallavas, and the Chalukya Dynasty.