NCERT Solutions Class 7 Social Science Chapter 7 The Gupta Era: An Age of Tireless Creativity

The Gupta Empire (3rd-6th centuries CE) is considered to have provided the peace and stability for culture and intellectual thought to thrive. This period was one of great productivity and creativity, and it involved advances in nearly every area of scholarship and intellectual thought, including mathematics, astronomy, drama, temple construction, etc. Rulers like Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) and Samudragupta extended the Empire while at the same time providing patronage to scholars and artists.

The NCERT Solutions provide focused and organized comprehensive responses to the textbook questions, allowing students to recognize the historical significance of the major intellectual and artistic contributions of this time period. To fully appreciate the foundations of classical Indian civilization, you must deal with the Gupta period.

1.0Download NCERT Solutions Class 7 Social Science Chapter 7 The Gupta Era: An Age of Tireless Creativity- Free PDF

Download the NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Social Science Chapter: The Gupta Era: An Age of Tireless Creativity in our free PDF, prepared by academic experts for in-depth study and exam preparation.

2.0Important Concepts of Class 7 Social Science Chapter 7 The Gupta Era - Brief Explanation

The term "Age of Tireless Creativity" summarizes the intense development across various spheres of life, making the Gupta Era a high point of ancient Indian history.

Political Stability and Governance

• Important Rulers: Samudragupta (a powerful conquerer); and Chandragupta II (known as Vikramaditya, a supporter of the arts).
• Administration: He developed a well-organized, decentralized administrative structure which gave local autonomy while keeping the empire in control and prosperous.
• Chinese Accounts: The Chinese pilgrim Faxian gave a description of the peace, prosperity, and social responsibility of Gupta society and free hospitals and rest-houses.

Science and Mathematics 

Remarkable inventions happened during this period, primarily from the city of Ujjayini, and Kusumapura (Patna). 

• Āryabhaṭa: Found the value of , stated that the Earth is round and spins on its own axis, and again correctly explained the cause of solar and lunar eclipses. 
• Decimal System & Zero: The decimal system and the use of zero were invented and the concept laid wide use in this period, changing mathematics for eternity.
• Varāhamihira: One of the most famous astronomer astrologers in recorded history, wrote the Brihat Samhita, which covers topics ranging from astronomy and astrology forecasting to weather forecasting and architecture. 
• Metallurgy: It is evidenced in the Iron Pillar of Delhi, that has not rusted even though has been around for over 1,600 years.

Literature and Education 

• Sanskrit Thrived: Sanskrit was the language of the court and intellectual conversations.
• Kālidāsa: The era's greatest poet and playwright, best known for the play Abhijnanashakuntalam (The Recognition of Shakuntala) and the lyrical poem Meghadūtam (The Cloud Messenger).
• Puranas: Major Hindu Puranas completed their written form.
• Centers of Learning: Institutions such as Nālandā University in Bihar became preeminent centers of learning, attracting scholars from all over Asia.

Art and Architecture

• Sculpture: Characteristic of a polished, calm, and harmonious manner of style (as seen in the standing and seated Buddha sculptures at Sārnāth). 
• Temple Architecture: The construction of the first elaborate free-standing stone temples (e.g., the Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh) in new formal characteristics, such as the Shikhara (tower).
• Cave Art: Containing vibrant mural paintings of the Ajanta Caves (depicting Jataka tales) and rock cut carvings at Udayagiri represent a high-water mark in artistic style and expression.

3.0NCERT Class 7 Social Science Chapter 7 The Gupta Era - Detailed Solutions

• Imagine you receive a letter from someone living in the Gupta Empire. The letter starts like this: "Greetings from Pataliputra! Life here is vibrant and full of excitement. Just yesterday, I witnessed... " Complete the letter with a short paragraph (250-300 words) describing life in the Gupta Empire. Ans. "...a grand procession to celebrate the harvest festival. The streets were lined with flowers, and the sounds of music filled the air. People from ll walks of life, including traders, farmers, and scholars, gathered in the city center to offer prayers nd celebrate. The king, Chandragupta II, himself rode in a magnifIcent chariot, waving to the crowds as he passed by. The wealth and prosperity of the Gupta Empire were visible everywhere, with merchants selling silk, spices, and exquisite jewelry. In the evening, scholars gathered in the royal court to discuss philosophy, science, and literature, while dancers performed traditional dances. Pataliputra, the capital, is a city of learning and culture, with renowned scholars like Aryabhata and Kalidasa contributing to the flourishing of arts and sciences. People live in harmony, and the peaceful environment supports the development of knowledge. It is truly a time of growth, prosperity, and artistic brilliance in our empire."
• Which Gupta ruler was also known as the 'Vikramaditya'? Ans. The Gupta ruler who was known as 'Vikramaditya' was Chandragupta II. He is remembered for his valour, his support of the arts, and for establishing a golden age in the Gupta Empire, often referred to as the "Vikramaditya era."
• "Periods of peace support the development of various aspects of sociocultural life, literature, and the development of science and technology." Examine this statement in the light of the Gupta Empire. Ans. The Gupta Empire (approximately 320550 CE) was characterized by periods of political stability and peace, which greatly contributed to the flourishing of various aspects of life. During this time, the Gupta rulers, especially Chandragupta I, Samudragupta, and Chandragupta II, emphasized the promotion of knowledge, arts, and sciences. Socio-cultural Life: The Gupta Empire saw the rise of Hindu culture, with an emphasis on religious freedom, social harmony, and the development of educational institutions. The period also witnessed the composition of great works of literature, including the famous works of Kalidasa, such as "Shakuntala," and the "Puranas," which documented the history and culture of India. Literature: This was the golden age of Sanskrit literature. Writers like Kalidasa, Aryabhata, and Varahamihira contributed significantly to the growth of literature, poetry, and scientific texts. Aryabhata, for example, made groundbreaking contributions in mathematics and astronomy during this period. Science and Technology: Peace and prosperity allowed scholars to engage in scientific studies. Aryabhata's work on mathematics, including the concept of zero and the approximation of pi, laid the foundation for modem mathematics. The period also saw advancements in medicine, astronomy, and metallurgy. In conclusion, the peaceful environment fostered by Gupta rulers allowed for intellectual growth, artistic achievements, and technological advancements, making the Gupta Empire one of the most culturally rich periods in Indian history.
• Match the columns

Ans.

• Who were the Pallavas and where did they rule? Ans. The Pallavas were a South Indian dynasty that ruled from the 4th to the 9th century CE. They were primarily based in the region of present-day Tamil Nadu, with their capital at Kanchipuram. The Pallavas were known for their contributions to art, architecture, and literature, and they played a significant role in the development of early Dravidian temple architecture. They were also patrons of Buddhism and Hinduism, and under their rule, Kanchipuram became an important cultural and religious center.

4.0Key Features and Benefits of NCERT Class 7 Social Science Chapter 7 The Gupta Era

The answers offered for this chapter serve as an exceptional reference point for understanding the multifaceted accomplishments of the "Golden Age."

• Categorized Accomplishments: The overwhelming creativity of the age has been organized into clear categories: Science/Mathematics, Literature, and Art/Architecture.
• Contributions of Major Figures: We highlight the accomplishments of major intellectuals like Āryabhaṭa, Kālidāsa, and Varāhamihira and connect them to the time period of the Guptas.
• Evidence-Based Learning: We include information from primary sources like the Prayāga Praśasti (inscription) and the travelogue of Faxian.
• Historical Significance Explained: Clearly explains why the Gupta Era was the so-called 'Classical Age', clearly linking together peace, prosperity, and a flowering of the arts.
• NCERT Textbook Alignment: Provides clear and complete answers to all  questions so all aspects of the syllabus are covered.
• Appreciation of Cultural High Point: Students understand the Gupta period to be a high point, when Indian civilization saw its most refined and iconic forms in the arts and philosophy.
• Appreciation of Scientific Legacy: The study of the contributions of Āryabhaṭa and others instills an appreciation of India's advanced scientific past, particularly in mathematics and astronomy.
• Improved Analytical Skills: The students will be able to synthesize political stability and cultural development.
• Vocabulary Acquisition: Students can acquire and use the terms related to history and culture of the past such as Vikramaditya, Maharajadhiraja, Puranas, Mural, and Shikhara, accurately.
• Building Blocks for the Study of Humanities and the Arts: Supports study in all future courses on the arts and humanities, particularly in Indian art history, literature, and the history of science.