Sources of Gupta History

Before we proceed to kings and achievements, let’s address a basic yet crucial historical question:

How do we know so much about the Gupta Empire?

Historians do not “guess” the past—they reconstruct it using sources. For the Gupta period, the available sources are abundant, and they fall under four major categories:

1. Literary sources
2. Epigraphical (inscriptional) sources
3. Numismatic (coin) sources
4. Monumental/Archaeological sources

Let’s go step by step.

📚 Literary Sources

These are texts—both religious and secular—that provide indirect and direct references to Gupta kings and their times.

🕉️ Puranas

• They mention royal genealogies—the lineage of Gupta rulers.
• Helpful in establishing succession order and identifying dynastic legitimacy.

🎭 Plays by Vishakhadatta

• Devichandraguptam – Describes the power struggle between Ramagupta and Chandragupta II.
• Mudrarakshasa – Although set in the Maurya period, it contains indirect political commentary that helps understand the ideological outlook during Gupta times.

📜 Dharmashastra Literature

• Narada Smriti and Brihaspati Smriti were likely composed during this period.
• They reveal the legal, social, and caste structure of Gupta society.

🎉 Kaumudi Mahotsava

• A Sanskrit drama that sheds light on the political condition of Magadha just before the Guptas rose to power.

🌏 Chinese Pilgrims’ Accounts

• Fa Xian (Fa Hien): Visited India during the reign of Chandragupta II. His observations are very valuable for understanding:
  • Social structure (e.g., caste system)
  • Economic life (prosperity, charity, taxation)
  • Religious tolerance
• I-Qing (I-tsing): Came after the Gupta period, but refers to Srigupta, the likely founder of the Gupta dynasty.
  • Mentions a shrine near Mrigasikhavana, built by Srigupta for Chinese pilgrims—referred to as the Temple of China.

🪨 Epigraphical Sources (Inscriptions)

In this period, inscriptions became very important tools of royal communication and record-keeping. They often praised kings and recorded land grants or achievements.

Such inscriptions are often written in Sanskrit, using Brahmi script.

🌟 Prashasti (Eulogy Inscriptions)

• Meaning: Literally means “praise.”
• These were royal panegyrics—poems composed by court poets in praise of the king.
• Caution: Though poetic and exaggerated, they preserve factual information like conquests, dynastic links, and religious donations.

Let’s see the key prashastis and inscriptions from the Gupta period:

Inscription	King Mentioned	Importance
Allahabad Pillar Inscription (Prayaga Prashasti)	Samudragupta	Composed by Harishena, details Samudragupta’s conquests in North and South India. Most important source on his reign.
Mehrauli Iron Pillar Inscription	Chandragupta II	Highlights his military success and dharmic rule. Also an engineering marvel (non-rusting iron).
Udayagiri Cave Inscriptions (Cave 6 & 8)	Chandragupta II	Talks about his conquest of the western regions and patronage of art, religion, and architecture.
Bhitari Pillar Inscription	Skandagupta	Gives details of Gupta lineage and Skandagupta’s achievements, especially in defending against the Pushyamitras and Hun invasions.

📜 Copperplate Grants (Tamrapatra)

• These were official land grant documents—mostly given to Brahmanas or religious institutions.
• They include:
  • Name of the donor king
  • Donee (receiver)
  • Location and details of land
• Significance: Provide social and economic insights into land ownership, caste hierarchies, and royal patronage.

🪙 Numismatic Sources (Coins)

Gupta coinage is highly refined—both artistic and informative.

• Coins were issued in gold, silver, and copper.
• Contain images, legends, and titles of kings.

For example:

• Samudragupta’s coins show him playing the veena, which indicates:
  • His multifaceted personality
  • His role as a patron of art and culture, not just a warrior king

Other coins mention royal sacrifices like Ashvamedha (horse sacrifice), showcasing the king’s Vedic legitimacy and sovereign authority.

🛕 Monumental Sources (Temples and Art)

Under the Guptas, we see the emergence of temple architecture in a more formalized way.

Religion was the main inspiration for ancient Indian art—and the Guptas were supporters of Brahmanism.

Key Features:

• Garbhagriha: The small square sanctum in the center of the temple where the deity’s image was placed.
• The temple design became more structured and symbolic.

Notable Temples:

Temple	Location	Deity
Temple at Deogarh	Near Jhansi (UP-MP border)	Vishnu and Shiva
Temple at Aihole	Karnataka	Maa Durga

These temples give us valuable insights into:

• Religious practices
• Artistic excellence
• Use of stone and masonry in temple construction

✅ Summary Table

Category	Examples	Significance
Literary	Puranas, Devichandraguptam, Fa Xian’s account	Genealogy, political events, social life
Epigraphical	Allahabad Pillar, Udayagiri, Bhitari	Political conquests, religious grants
Numismatic	Gold coins with images & titles	King’s personality, economy, religious sacrifices
Monuments	Temples at Deogarh, Aihole	Rise of temple architecture; Brahmanical influence