Indian history between the 4th and 12th centuries CE saw the rise of two highly influential dynasties—the Guptas in North India and the Chalukyas in Deccan. Both played a crucial role in shaping India’s cultural, political, and artistic development.
NDA & CDS 1 2026 Exam History – Medieval India – Class 1
Gupta Period (c. 320 CE – 550 CE)
The Gupta Empire is often referred to as the “Golden Age of India” due to its remarkable achievements in art, literature, science, and governance.
Founders and Important Rulers
- Sri Gupta – Founder of the dynasty.
- Chandragupta I – Expanded the empire through alliances, especially marriage with the Licchavis.
- Samudragupta (335–375 CE) – Known as the Napoleon of India for his vast conquests. His achievements are recorded in the Prayag Prashasti (Allahabad Pillar Inscription).
- Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) – Defeated the Shaka rulers, promoted art and culture, and strengthened overseas trade.
- Skandagupta – Successfully repelled the first wave of Huna invasions.
Administration and Economy
- Centralized monarchy with provincial administration.
- Efficient revenue system based on land and agricultural productivity.
- Use of gold coins like Dinaras showing prosperity.
- Flourishing internal and international trade.
Art, Culture & Architecture
- Development of the Nagari script, increase in Sanskrit literature.
- Classical literary works:
- Kalidasa – Meghaduta, Abhijnana Shakuntalam, Raghuvamsha
- Amarasimha – Amarakosha
- Aryabhata – Aryabhatiya (introduced zero, calculated Earth’s rotation)
- Outstanding examples of Gupta architecture:
- Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh
- Ajanta cave paintings (Final phase patronized by Guptas)
Religion
- Period of religious tolerance.
- Hinduism revived; Vaishnavism and Shaivism flourished.
- Buddhism continued to receive patronage.
Decline of the Gupta Empire
- Continuous Huna invasions.
- Weak successors after Skandagupta.
- Loss of provinces and weakening economy.
- By mid-6th century, the empire had fragmented into smaller kingdoms.
Chalukya Period
The Chalukyas ruled large parts of Central and Southern India between the 6th and 12th centuries CE. They are known for their contributions to art, temple architecture, and administration.
Three Branches of the Chalukyas
- Badami (Vatapi) Chalukyas – 6th to 8th century CE
- Eastern Chalukyas (Vengi) – 7th to 11th century CE
- Kalyani (Western) Chalukyas – 10th to 12th century CE
Badami Chalukyas (Most Prominent)
Founders and Rulers
- Pulakeshin I (543 CE) – Founder of the dynasty; established capital at Vatapi (Badami).
- Pulakeshin II (609–642 CE) – Greatest Chalukya ruler. Defeated Harshavardhana on the banks of the Narmada (recorded in Aihole inscription).
- Expanded control over Karnataka, Maharashtra, and parts of Andhra.
Administration
- Strong central authority supported by local chieftains.
- Land grants to Brahmins and temples.
- Use of Kannada and Sanskrit in administration.
Art & Architecture
The Chalukyas pioneered a unique style of temple architecture called the Vesara Style, combining Dravidian and Nagara features.
Major architectural achievements include:
- Rock-cut cave temples at Aihole, Badami, Pattadakal
- Durga Temple (Aihole)
- Virupaksha Temple (Pattadakal) – built by Queen Lokamahadevi
- Pattadakal is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site
They also encouraged sculpture, iconography, inscriptions, and literary works.
Religion
- Mainly followers of Shaivism and Vaishnavism.
- Buddhism and Jainism also had influence.
- Temples of both Shiva and Vishnu built during this period.
Decline
- Badami Chalukyas were eventually defeated by the Rashtrakutas in the mid-8th century CE.
Eastern Chalukyas (Vengi)
- Founded by Kubja Vishnuvardhana, brother of Pulakeshin II.
- Ruled coastal Andhra.
- Later merged with the Cholas through marital alliances.
Western (Kalyani) Chalukyas
- Founded by Tailapa II in the 10th century.
- Controlled Karnataka and Maharashtra regions.
- Known for later Vesara architecture seen in:
- Lakkundi temples
- Dambal and Gadag monuments
- Declined with the rise of the Hoysalas and Yadavas.
Conclusion
The Gupta Period in North India and the Chalukya Period in the Deccan together mark a vibrant phase of Indian history.
- The Guptas enhanced India’s reputation in science, art, literature, and governance, shaping what is known as the Golden Age.
- The Chalukyas developed unique temple architecture, strengthened regional culture, and contributed greatly to political evolution in South India.
Together, they laid the foundation for cultural unity and artistic brilliance in early medieval India.
