The Gupta Empire: A Golden Era in Ancient India When Art Reached to its Zenith

1. The Gupta Empire: A Golden Era in Ancient India When Art Reached to its Zenith

2. The timeline of Indian history, which begins from prehistoric settlements and goes through Indus Valley Civilisation, Indo-Aryan rule, Vedic dynasties, to modern times has a few golden eras that still makes us proud. One of those golden chunks is the period of Gupta Empire (319 to 550 CE). Notably ruled by Chandragupta I, Samudragupta, and Chandragupta II, the Gupta empire provided a respectful and thriving ground for some of the most celebrated artists, writers, medics, thinkers, and inventors in the history. Art in various forms comprising sculpture, architecture, paintings, and pottery was appreciated and significantly evolved under the rule of Gupta kings. (TheGupta Empire) ImageCourtesy: Wikipedia In 5th Century, when the Gupta Dynasty was at the peak of its magnificence, it consisted of almost 22 major kingdoms and was the home of Kalidasa, Aryabhata, Vatsyayana, Vishnu Sharma, and Varahamihira. All of these

3. renowned scholars later emerged into unforgettable contributors in diverse fields such as literature, painting, ayurveda, and much more. Apart from occupying a massive army and area on Indian Subcontinent, Gupta rulers made sure to give a rise to art as well. These are the primary art forms that embarked a mark on the history: Paintings Most of the paintings of the Gupta era depicted security in theme and simplicity in appearance. The caves of Ajanta (Maharashtra) and Bagh (Madhya Pradesh) are great sources to observe and admire a unique theme, around which the paintings (and cave art) revolve around. Most of the paintings showcase Gautam Buddha, the story and major events of his life, his journey and his lessons. In other words, the paintings of Gupta era were significantly inclined towards religion. (APaintingFromGupta Empire Era) Image Courtesy: WCDF

4. Sculptures Gupta kings are said to be originated from the lands of eastern Uttar Pradesh. Hence, the sculptures from that periods show more of an Indian style and geometry rather than a foreign hint. Identical to that of paintings, the sculptures also demonstrated spiritual and religious attachment. Hindu gods including Vishnu and Shiva as well as Buddha were the most carved sculptures during the Gupta Dynasty. The sculptures of Gupta era, showing the balance between sensuousness and symbolism, are still inspirations for craftspersons and artists. (Krishna fighting the horse demon Keshi, 5th century Gupta Dynasty) Image Courtesy: Wikipedia Pottery Artisans during the Gupta period, undoubtedly had a strong grasp on making pottery. Pottery remains found in Rajgarh and Bashar shed lights on the

5. expertise of the artisans of that era. Redware, terracotta and clay potteries were the most famous at that time. The level of perfection on potteries was outstanding. Closure Elite art it something that gets more mysterious, expensive, and venerable with time. Dynasties come and go. But, their work in the field of art and advancements, if exceptional always get remembered. Without a doubt, Gupta kings were art lovers and promoters, and thanks to their art promotion campaigns, potteries, paintings, and sculptures of the ancient times are still the inspiration sources of modern craftsmen. Reference:​​http://ccrtindia.gov.in/guptasculp.php

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