Which legal text of the Gupta period gives us a fair idea of the polity and administration of the Guptas ?
'Nitisara' by Kamandaka
Understanding Gupta Polity and Administration Through Ancient Texts
The question asks to identify the legal text from the Gupta period that provides significant insights into the political system and administrative structure of the Gupta Empire. Many historical sources help us understand this era, but specific texts focus more directly on statecraft and governance.
Analysing the Options
- 'Nitisara' by Kamandaka: This work, also known as 'Kamandakiya Nitisara', is a treatise on polity and statecraft, following the tradition of Kautilya's Arthashastra. It is traditionally attributed to Kamandaka, who is often placed in the Gupta period or slightly before. The text discusses various aspects of governance, including the duties of the king, administration, foreign policy, and social order. It is considered a crucial source for understanding the theoretical and practical aspects of polity during this time.
- 'Meghdutam' of Kalidasa: This is a famous lyrical poem by the renowned poet Kalidasa, who flourished during the Gupta age. While it is a masterpiece of literature and provides some cultural glimpses, it is primarily a poetic work about a cloud messenger carrying a message from an exiled Yaksha to his beloved. It is not a legal or administrative text.
- 'Devichandraguptam' of Visakhdatta: This is a Sanskrit play by Visakhdatta, known for his other play 'Mudrarakshasa'. 'Devichandraguptam' deals with a historical plot involving Ramagupta and Chandragupta II. As a play, it focuses on dramatic narrative rather than a systematic explanation of polity and administration.
- 'Mrichchakatikam' by Sudraka: This is another famous Sanskrit play, a 'Prakarana' (comedy of manners), attributed to Sudraka. It depicts the life of ordinary people, including merchants, courtesans, and rogues, and offers insights into social life and judicial procedures of the time. While it touches upon legal and administrative aspects within its narrative, it is not a dedicated text on polity and administration like 'Nitisara'.
Conclusion
Comparing the options, 'Nitisara' by Kamandaka stands out as the text specifically dedicated to the principles of polity and administration. It provides theoretical frameworks and advice on governance relevant to the period, making it the most suitable answer for a text that gives a fair idea of the polity and administration of the Guptas.
Important Questions from Gupta Age
From the decline of Guptas until the rise of Harshavardhana in the early seventh century, which of the following kingdoms were holding power in Northern India?
1. The Guptas of Magadha
2. The Paramaras Malwa
3. The Pushyabhutis of Thanesar
4. The Maukharis of Kanauj
5. The Yaduvas of Devagiri
6. The Maitrakas of Valabhi
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Which of the following rulers from the Gupta dynasty first assumed the title 'Maharajadhiraja'?
Identify the person from the following description :
a. Founder of a great empire.
b. Cultured, scholar and a poet.
c. The famous poet Harisena was his court poet and Buddhist scholar Vasubandhu was in his court.
d. Vincent Smith praises him as the 'Indian Napoleon'.
The campaigns of which of the following Gupta ruler are described in the ‘Prayagprasasti’ ?
Given below are two statements: One is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R.
Assertion (A): The Gupta period saw the ascendency of Hinduism, especially Bhagavatism or vaishnavism
Reason (R): Fahsien given the impression that Buddhism was flourishing during this period. It may be said first that four Buddha images were added at the four entrances of the great stupa of Sanchi. Nalanda also became a centre of Buddhist education during this period.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
