NCERT Class 7 Social Science Chapter 7 The Gupta Era: An Age of Tireless Creativity

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NCERT Class 7 Social Science Chapter 7 The Gupta Era: An Age of Tireless Creativity

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The Gupta Era: An Age of Tireless Creativity

Chapter: 7

THEME – B: Tapestry of the Past

The Big Questions? 

1. Who were the Guptas? Why is the Gupta period sometimes called the ‘classical age’ in Indian history? 

Ans: The Guptas were powerful rulers who rose around the 3rd century CE in north India. They built a large empire and ruled from places like Pāṭaliputra and Ujjayinī.

The Gupta period promoted notable achievements in various fields, leading some historians to label this period the ‘classical age’ of India. It was also the time when knowledge from previous eras was consolidated and compiled into numerous texts. Sanskrit literature flourished, with Kālidāsa’s works and many major Purāṇas. Āryabhaṭa and Varāhamihira recorded major advancements in mathematics and astronomy, while medical texts compiled and refined medical theories and practices. 

2. What was happening in the rest of the subcontinent at this time? 

Ans: During the time of the Gupta Empire in north India, several other important kingdoms existed across the subcontinent. In the south, the Pallavas rose to power in Kāñchipuram and became known for temple architecture and learning. In the Deccan, the Vākāṭakas ruled and were allies of the Guptas. In the northwest, the Kushāṇas were losing power, and new regional kingdoms were emerging. These regions developed their own styles of art, culture, and administration, making this a rich and diverse period in Indian history.

3. Who were some great figures of this period, and why do their stories matter today?

Ans: During the Gupta period, many great people made important contributions. Samudragupta was a strong and wise ruler who expanded the empire. Chandragupta II (Vikramāditya) supported art and learning. Āryabhaṭa was a brilliant scientist who studied stars and invented ideas in maths like zero. Kalidasa was a famous poet and playwright whose stories are still read today. These figures matter because they helped India become a centre of learning and culture. Their work in science, art, and leadership continues to inspire people even today.

1. Imagine you receive a letter from someone living in the Gupta Empire. The letter starts like this: 

“Greetings from Pāṭaliputra! Life here is vibrant and full of excitement. Just yesterday, I witnessed …” Complete the letter with a short paragraph (250–300 words) describing life in the Gupta Empire.

Ans: “Greetings from Pāṭaliputra! Life here is vibrant and full of excitement. Just yesterday, I witnessed a big celebration in the city! People were dancing and singing as a new temple was opened. The king, Chandragupta II, is very kind and loves art and learning. The temple had beautiful carvings of gods and stories from the Ramayana. Everyone was happy and dressed in bright clothes.

Pāṭaliputra is a busy and beautiful city. The markets are full of things like silk, spices, and shiny jewelry. There are many schools here where students learn math, science, Sanskrit, and even about stars and planets. One teacher, named Āryabhaṭa, says the Earth moves and the stars don’t! Isn’t that amazing?

In the evening, we often watch plays written by Kalidasa. His stories are full of emotions and teach us lessons. People love listening to his poems.

Traders come from faraway places. They bring things from other countries and take our goods back with them. There is peace all around, and people live happily. Life in the Gupta Empire is truly wonderful.

I wish you could visit one day!

Your friend,

Vikrant.

2. Which Gupta ruler was also known as the ‘Vikramāditya’? 

Ans: The inscription on the iron pillar in Delhi speaks of a king named ‘Chandra’, who has been identified with Chandragupta. Chandragupta , also known as ‘Vikramāditya’, was one of the renowned rulers of the Gupta dynasty. He was a devotee of Viṣhṇu and his mount (vāhana) Garuḍa often appears on many inscriptions.

3. “Periods of peace support the development of various aspects of sociocultural life, literature, and the development of science and technology.’ Examine this statement in the light of the Gupta empire. 

Ans: The Gupta Empire was the most powerful and flourished from the 3rd to the 6th century CE, with its capital at Pāṭaliputra (present-day Patna).

The Gupta Empire, which flourished from the 3rd to the 6th century CE with its capital at Pāṭaliputra, is often referred to as the “Golden Age of India” due to the extended period of peace, prosperity, and stable governance. This peaceful atmosphere greatly contributed to the growth of sociocultural life, literature, and advancements in science and technology.

(i) Sociocultural Life: The peace and prosperity allowed society to flourish. Art, architecture, and sculpture reached new heights, with examples seen in the Ajanta caves and Udayagiri rock-cut temples.

(ii) Literature: Great literary works were composed in this period. Kalidasa, one of the greatest Sanskrit poets and playwrights, wrote plays such as Abhijñānaśākuntalam and epics like Raghuvaṃśa. Other scholars wrote works on grammar, law, and poetry.

(iii) Science and Technology: Scholars like Āryabhaṭa made pioneering contributions in mathematics and astronomy. He proposed that the Earth rotates on its axis and explained solar and lunar eclipses scientifically. In medicine, Charaka and Sushruta’s works were further developed.

4. Recreate a scene from a Gupta ruler’s court. Write a short script, assign roles like the king, ministers, and scholars, and enact a role play to bring the Gupta era to life! 

Ans: Students, do yourself.

5. Match the two columns: 

Ans: 

6. Who were the Pallavas and where did they rule? 

Ans: The Pallavas were also great patrons of art and architecture. Most of them were devotees of Śhiva and are credited with constructing magnificent temples and rock-cut caves, some of which we will visit when we explore classical Indian architecture. The capital of the Pallavas, Kānchipuram (in present-day Tamil Nadu), often known as the ‘city of a thousand temples’, developed as one of the major centres of learning in the south. The establishment of ghaṭikās — centres of learning that emerged during the reign of the Sātavāhanas — fostered an environment for education and intellectual growth.

The Pallavas emerged as a powerful dynasty in the south, gradually consolidating their power in parts of present day Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Their origins are not clearly known, but they appear to have been a tributary power under the Sātavāhanas, whom we encountered in the previous chapter, and to have gained power as the Sātavāhanas declined. 

7. Organise an exploration trip with your teachers to a nearby historical site, museum, or heritage building. After the trip, write a detailed report describing your experience. Include key observations about the site’s historical significance, the architecture, artefacts, and any interesting facts you learned during the visit. Reflect on how the trip enhanced your understanding of history.

Ans: Students do it Yourself. 

Parimol

Hi! my Name is Parimal Roy. I have completed my Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy (B.A.) from Silapathar General College. Currently, I am working as an HR Manager at Dev Library. It is a website that provides study materials for students from Class 3 to 12, including SCERT and NCERT notes. It also offers resources for BA, B.Com, B.Sc, and Computer Science, along with postgraduate notes. Besides study materials, the website has novels, eBooks, health and finance articles, biographies, quotes, and more.