320 A.D. - 550 A.D.

Gupta Empire

Contributions:
Mathematics
-developed 0 and decimal system based on 10
Medicine
-used herbs to treat illnesses
-able to set bones and treat facial injuries with plastic surgery
Architecture
-built temples for Hindu worship
-temples were filled with carvings of Gods and Goddesses
Literature
-fables and folk tales carried as far west as Persia, Egypt, and Greece
-most famous writer was Kalidasa, he wrote Shakuntala

The Gupta Empire united much of the Indian Subcontinent and ensured peace and prosperity to the people. Hinduism had a big influence on society and cultural life.

Government:
The Empire's government was strong and central, however they gave some power to local leaders. In villages there was a headman or council that made decisions. Women were originally allowed to serve on the council, but that policy died out.

Decline:
The empire declined after about 200 years due to weak rulers and invasions by tribes from Central Asia, specifically the White Huns.

Society:
-highly influenced by the caste system which created a calm and stable society
-wealthier families live in joint families (when parents, their children, and their offspring live together)
-patriarchal
-children worked in the fields and learned the job their family was responsible for within their caste
-marriages were arranged by parents
-role of women became more restricted overtime. Eventually women were forced to be in their homes and were required to be covered from head to toe
-lower class women were expected to work