Gupta Empire and Caste System

The Gupta Empire came to power in 320AD and ruled until 550AD. The Empire was a vast empire located in North India. The strong central government gave power to local leaders. Women were allowed to serve on councils along with the headman or council that made decisions for the village. Gupta Empire had various contributions such as cultural achievements, peace, and prosperity allowed scientific and artistic achievements to flourish. Physicians used herbs to treat illnesses, they were able to set bones back into place and vaccinated people against small pox 1,000 years before it began in Europe. Architecture was also very big. The people built temples filled with carvings of gods and goddesses, Buddhists created shrines, and the gateways depicted the beginning of life of the Budda. Fables and folk tales in Sanskrit language collected and carried as far west as Persia, Egypt, and Greece. Gupta mathematics developed the system of writing numerals we use called Arabic numerals, Arab brought this system to India. After about 200 years Gupta declined due to weak rulers and invasions that destroyed cities, villages, and trade.

In the society of the Gupta Empire the caste system influenced life. Caste rules and traditions created a stable society. Caste a social structure in which classes are determined by heredity. Families are put into classes by how much money they have. Parents arranged marriages. Hindu law required you marry within your own caste. Upper class woman were restricted to homes and covered head to toe. Lower class woman were expected to work.