Question

Give an account of the Gupta administration and society.

Accepted Answer

Administration:

The Gupta administration had an ideal type of government. The empire was divided into provinces, and the provinces were divided into districts. Districts were further divided into villages, the lowest unit of administration. In this manner, the administration was well planned for smooth governance.

The State's main source of income was land revenue. The officers were not always paid salaries in cash. Rather they were given the right to collect the revenue from the land.

Laws were simple and never interfered with the day-to-day life of the people. And punishments were lenient because there was less crime. The king was assisted by an official "Mahadandanayaka" to maintain law and order in the empire. Manusmriti was followed to give justice.

Society:

People were rich and prosperous and vied with one another in giving donations for setting up rest-houses and hospitals. They were honest and law-abiding.

Mostly, people were vegetarian except for the Chandalas, who lived outside the towns and were treated as untouchables.

The people lived in peaceful co-existence with other sects. Hindu Gods and Goddesses were depicted on sculptures, coins and paintings. Trade was highly developed in the Gupta Period. Trade took place at the domestic and international levels. Land and sea routes were utilised for trade. Society developed because of the development of trade and commerce. Life was peaceful. Thus, this period is known as the ‘Golden Period.’

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