Page 80 - SST Class 06

Science and Education The roads and waterways were maintained well
and were safe for travel. Trade with other
Education progressed as the fields of astronomy,
countries also flourished, like with Myanmar,
mathematics and astrology got impetus.
Aryabhatta , the great astronomer and Cambodia, Java etc. The trade relations with the
Greeks and Romans declined.
mathematician, lived during this period. Yet
another scholar of this period included Literature, Art and Architecture
Varahmihira , a great astronomer. Medical science
We have told you about Kalidasa. Literature
too progressed as many scholars worked during prospered during the Gupta period. Besides
this period including Kalidasa, other important authors were
Brahmagupta , Vagabhatta
Vishakhadutta who wrote the Mudra Rakshas and
and Dhanvantari . The Amar Singh who wrote the Amarkosha. The
decimal system was Mrichhakatikam was written by Shudraka . The
developed during this
Panchatantra, a fine collection of wonderful
period. The Iron Pillar at animal tales, was also written during this period.
Mehrauli (in Delhi) is a
standing proof of the high Sculpture made a great progress and it became
technology of this period. totally Indian in form and spirit. The Gandhara
This pillar has not rusted School of Art declined.
after such a long period. Iron Pillar at Mehrauli (Delhi) New subjects from
Buddha’s life, Puranas and
Education flourished during this period, but the other scriptures were
education for women lagged behind, perhaps due chosen with a new
to frequent wars. Women could get education
outlook. A large number
what was available to them within the four walls of images and sculptures
of the house.
have been discovered
Religion which belong to this Ajanta Caves
period.
The Gupta kings were Hindus. Hinduism made
great progress under their rule. They worshipped Architecture too greatly advanced during the
Vishnu and performed religious sacrifices. Liberal Gupta period. Many fine temples were built, such
charity was given to Brahmins and for other as the stone temple at Deogarh (in district Lalitpur,
religious purposes. Besides Vishnu, the other gods Uttar Pradesh) and brick temple at Bhitrigaon (in
worshipped by the people included Shiva and district Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh). Besides, three
Shakti. Devagrihas (temples) were built for the Ajanta Caves are attributed to the Gupta period.
worship. It was believed that Vishnu comes to the These caves have been cut out of solid rocks and
earth in the form of a human being to help his their walls are covered with beautiful fresco-
devotees. paintings which are remarkably fresh even today.

All faiths existed in excellent harmony. The Quiz Time
people of one faith respected the people of Write True or False :
another faith. The kings did not practise any
discrimination on the grounds of faith. 1. Devagrihas were built for the worship. _____

Trade and Occupations 2. The Amarkosha was written by Shudraka. _____
Agriculture was the chief occupation, while other 3. Agriculture was the chief occupation. _____
occupations were followed. A new occupation 4. Fa-Hien came to India during the
was service with the king. Samudragupta’s rule. _____
Trade prospered within and outside the empire. 5. Taxes were collected by officials. _____

Contemporary Social Science-6
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