Administration

The Gupta kings had limitless powers. There was political unity in India under the Guptas. There was an efficient administration, The vast empire was divided into provinces which were under the control of the governors. The members of the royal family were appointed as governors. The ministers, generals and other officials followed Rajya Dharma. The provinces were divided into Vishayas or districts. The village was the lowest unit of administration. A local chief administered it.
The Guptan monarchs maintained a standing army. The use of cavalry and horse archery became important in the army. Special attention was paid to the safety of the border areas. Land tax and Excise duties were collected. The judicial system was developed and several law books were written. For the first time civil and criminal Laws were differentiated.
Fa-hien’s Account During the reign of Chandragupta II, Fa-hien, and the Chinese traveler visited his court. He came to India to see the important Buddhist Centers. He stayed a few years in Chandragupta’s Court. His accounts contain information about the victories and other achievements of Chandragupta. According to him, kings were tolerant, people were prosperous arid of charitable disposition People dared not to kill living things Punishments were mild India had traded with China, Ceylon, East Indian Islands arid many countries of Europe.

The Golden Age of the Guptas

The Gupta period is considered as the Golden Age in the history of India because this period witnessed all round developments in Religion, Literature, Science, Art and Architecture. There was economic prosperity all over the country. People lived in peace. Apart from these there was Cultural Renaissance. Therefore the Guptan period is considered as the Golden Age in the history of India.
Decline of the Guptas Chandragupta II was succeeded by his son Kumaragupta. His reign was marked by peace and prosperity. After his death, his son Skandagupta ascended the throne. During his time, the Huns frequently attacked the Gupta Empire. Toramana and Mihirakula, the two powerful kings had weakened the Gupta Empire. The Huns were generally fierce people who came from Central Asia. The mighty vassals were constantly giving troubles to the Guptan monarchs. The dispute, which occurred at the time of succession, was also another cause for the downfall of the Guptas. After the death of Skandagupta, the empire began to decline and collapsed completely.