NCERT Class 7 Social Science Chapter 7
The Gupta Era: An Age of Tireless Creativity
The Gupta period (4th to 6th century CE) is often called the Golden Age of India due to remarkable achievements in science, mathematics, literature, art, and philosophy. This chapter explores the political history of the Guptas and their contributions to Indian civilization. Students will learn about scholars like Aryabhata and Kalidasa whose works continue to influence the world.
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Key Terms
- Gupta Empire
- A powerful Indian empire founded by Chandragupta I in the 4th century CE, known for its cultural, scientific, and artistic achievements, often called India's Golden Age.
- Aryabhata
- A brilliant mathematician and astronomer of the Gupta period who calculated the value of pi, explained the concept of zero, and proposed that the Earth rotates on its axis.
- Kalidasa
- The greatest Sanskrit poet and playwright of the Gupta period, known for works like Abhijnanasakuntalam, Meghaduta, and Raghuvamsam.
- Nalanda University
- A famous ancient university established during the Gupta period in Bihar, attracting scholars from across Asia and serving as a major centre of Buddhist learning.
- Panchatantra
- A collection of ancient Indian fables and stories written during the Gupta period, containing moral lessons and wisdom, later translated into many world languages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Gupta period called the Golden Age of India?▾
The Gupta period is called the Golden Age because of remarkable achievements in literature, science, mathematics, astronomy, art, and architecture. Scholars like Aryabhata and Kalidasa made contributions that influenced the entire world.
What were Aryabhata's contributions to mathematics?▾
Aryabhata calculated the approximate value of pi, developed the concept of zero and place value system, explained solar and lunar eclipses scientifically, and proposed that the Earth rotates on its axis and revolves around the Sun.
Who was Kalidasa and what did he write?▾
Kalidasa was the greatest Sanskrit poet and playwright of the Gupta period. His famous works include the plays Abhijnanasakuntalam and Vikramorvashiyam, and the poems Meghaduta and Raghuvamsam.
What was Nalanda University known for?▾
Nalanda University was one of the greatest centres of learning in the ancient world, attracting students and scholars from China, Korea, Japan, Tibet, and Southeast Asia. It had thousands of students and hundreds of teachers, focusing on Buddhist philosophy and other subjects.
Who were the important Gupta rulers?▾
Important Gupta rulers include Chandragupta I (founder), Samudragupta (known as the Napoleon of India for his military conquests), and Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya), under whom the empire reached its zenith.
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