The Gupta Empire and the Classical Age

Describe the political consolidation of the Gupta Empire under Samudragupta and Chandragupta II.

Describe the Gupta administrative structure, differentiating it from the Mauryan model, with a focus on provincial (bhukti) and district (vishaya) governance.

Explain the Gupta-era land-grant system (agrahara) and its impact on the economy and state authority.

Describe the flourishing of Sanskrit literature, with a focus on Kalidasa, and the compilation of the Puranas.

Explain the major scientific and mathematical advancements of the period, citing the contributions of Aryabhata and Varahamihira.

Describe the consolidation of Puranic Hinduism (Vaishnavism, Shaivism) and the key features of Gupta temple architecture and sculpture.

Analyze the accounts of Chinese traveler Fa-Hien to understand the social and religious conditions of the Gupta period.

Discuss the emergence of feudal tendencies during the late Gupta period and the impact of Huna invasions on the empire's decline.