Introduction – The Rise of New Empires

• After the decline of the Mauryan Empire (185 BCE), several new kingdoms emerged.
• The most powerful empires were:
  • Gupta Empire (North India) – Samudragupta and Chandragupta II expanded it.
  • Harshavardhana’s Kingdom (North India) – Harshavardhana ruled from Kannauj.
  • Chalukyas (Deccan) – Pulakeshin II was a great ruler.
  • Pallavas (South India) – Powerful in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

Samudragupta’s Military Campaigns and the Gupta Empire

• The Gupta dynasty became powerful around 319 CE.
• Samudragupta (335–375 CE) was a great warrior and ruler.

Samudragupta’s Military Achievements

• Defeated many northern kingdoms and made them part of the Gupta Empire.
• Forced southern rulers to accept his supremacy.
• Known as the Napoleon of India for his conquests.

Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya)

• Defeated the Shakas (foreign rulers) and expanded the empire.
• Encouraged art, literature, and science.
• His court had famous scholars like Kalidasa and Aryabhata.

Administration and Governance in the Gupta Period

• The Gupta kings had a well-organized administration.
• They ruled with the help of ministers, governors, and local officials.

Important Features of Gupta Administration

• King was the supreme authority.
• Provinces were ruled by governors (Uparikas).
• Local village councils (Gram Sabha) helped in governance.
• Taxes were collected in the form of crops and gold coins.

Harshavardhana – A Powerful Ruler of North India

Who Was Harshavardhana?

• Harshavardhana ruled North India (606–647 CE) from Kannauj.
• He united parts of North and Central India after the fall of the Guptas.
• He was a patron of Buddhism and supported scholars.

Achievements of Harshavardhana

• Expanded his kingdom through conquests.
• Built monasteries and temples.
• Wrote Harshacharita (biography) written by Banabhatta.
• Promoted trade and cultural activities.

The Chalukyas and Pallavas – South Indian Kingdoms

• The Chalukyas and Pallavas ruled South India around the same time as the Guptas.
• They were great warriors, builders, and patrons of art and culture.

The Chalukyas (Deccan Region)

• Pulakeshin II (609–642 CE) was the greatest ruler.
• He defeated Harshavardhana in a battle.
• Capital: Badami (Karnataka).

The Pallavas (Tamil Nadu & Andhra Pradesh)

• Narashimhavarman I expanded the empire.
• Capital: Kanchipuram – A famous learning center.
• Built rock-cut temples at Mahabalipuram.

Prashastis – Inscriptions that Tell Us About Kings

• Prashastis were inscriptions written in praise of kings.
• They were usually composed by poets and scholars in Sanskrit.

Famous Prashastis

• Allahabad Prashasti – Written by Harisena about Samudragupta’s victories.
• Aihole Inscription – Written about Pulakeshin II’s rule.

Life of the People – Economy, Society, and Culture

1. Economy

• Agriculture was the main occupation.
• Trade increased with foreign countries (China, Persia, Rome).
• Guilds (Shrenis) controlled industries and trade.

2. Society

• Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras continued to exist.
• Women had limited rights, but some became scholars (like Prabhavati Gupta).

3. Culture and Education

• Nalanda University became a great learning center.
• Art and literature flourished under the Guptas.
• Temples, stupas, and sculptures were built across India.

The Decline of Empires and the Rise of Regional Kingdoms

• After the Gupta Empire declined (550 CE), smaller kingdoms took control.
• The Chalukyas and Pallavas fought wars for power.
• Many new regional kingdoms emerged in different parts of India.

Reasons for the Decline of Empires

• Continuous wars weakened the empire.
• Foreign invasions from Huns and other groups.
• Weak successors after powerful rulers.

Conclusion

• The Gupta Empire (Samudragupta, Chandragupta II) was a golden age of culture and learning.
• Harshavardhana ruled North India and promoted Buddhism.
• The Chalukyas (Pulakeshin II) and Pallavas (Narashimhavarman I) were powerful South Indian kingdoms.
• Prashastis (inscriptions) help us learn about ancient kings.
• Trade, agriculture, and education flourished during this period.
• After these empires declined, smaller regional kingdoms emerged.