Part+1+-+Essay

__By: Jane Bickford-Gewarter____**
 * __ __The Rise and Golden Age of the Gupta Empire__

The freedom of self expression and peace granted to each ci tizen was key in the development of the Gupta Empire, enabling it to prosper and flourish. A unique balance of integration with outsiders promoted cultural and economic diversity. These were all vital aspects of the Gupta Empire’s strong existence. __ The most significant lessons that our world today can learn from the rise of the Gupta Empire are that freedom of expression promotes prosperity, that a careful balance of power and equality within a government enables peace, and that the sharing of resources and culture results in a stronger, more diverse society. __

__1) Freedom of expression promoted prosperity__ Because every citizen of the Gupta Empire was granted the opportunity to contribute to the society, receiving financial awards for their work, the Empire saw great prosperities and legacies. It is known as the “Golden Age” of India as a whole because of the astonishing works produced in such a vast array of areas including the arts, literature, mathematics, science, architecture, and astrology. ([]) Although prominent religions of Hinduism and Vishnu existed at the time, there were many different religions practiced by the people of the Gupta Empire including that of Buddhism and Jainism. Throughout their long line of rulers, a persistent policy of complete freedom of worship and religion remains. Due to this level of freedom, the Gupta kingdom saw many advances in religious study and discovery. **(**Gokhale, B. G. "Gupta." //Encyclopedia Americana//. 2009. Grolier Online. 1 May 2009 [])

__2) Government promoted peace__ The Gupta Empire is a perfect example of a governed society in which peace remains a constant condition. Because of the way the Gupta people were ruled, there were no major wars or disputes nor were there any enemies developed within the community or outside of it during that era. The caste system was a main aspect of how the Gupta Empire was ruled; it was used to govern everything from food and drink rations to social interaction. Although its rules were very specific and complex, the way in which they were applied to the community was more lenient. There were no major taxes or punishments inflicted upon the Gupta peoples. They were all very interconnected and rules were implemented for the good of the people as a whole. Common paid jobs were to enhance community amenities, for everyone to use.

__3)__ __Communication and integration created strong, diverse economy and culture__ Over time, Gupta rulers assembled many small kingdoms in a concentrated area to create what the Gupta Empire resembled at its height, also known as the Golden age of India itself. After they consolidated the nations of the subcontinent into their empire, they stopped expanding their territory, but did not stop expanding in general. They continued to seek out allies and ** used their strong ties with other countries strategically to their advantage and ** maintained diplomatic relations. Integration of culture happened through exchanges ** such as Indian Buddhism to China. ** The cycle of communication and exchange was vital to cultural and economic development. Indian trade had a huge influence on its own and surrounding cultures. What is considered to be the Period of “Greater India” (a time of active trade between India and surrounding countries) sprouted from Indian trade and culture during the Gupta Dynasty. Indian culture encountered most foreigners along its eastern coast. (//©1996, Richard Hooker// []//)// In conclusion, the Gupta Empire was an exemplary model to civilizations around the world. Although it eventually declined, its rise and golden age, which is considered to be the greatest golden age of Indian history, were due to a number of important factors. The most important contributing factors to the Gupta period were that freedom of expression promoted prosperity, a careful balance of power and equality within a government enabled peace, and that the sharing of resources and culture resulted in a stronger, more diverse society.