The Vakataka–Gupta Age (circa 200–550 A.D.) c7.22

c7.22

The above survey of the features and achievements of our age will show that it was undoubtedly a very important epoch of Indian history. It put an end to foreign domination and political disintegration and evolved a mighty state which could protect the country against foreign aggression for a long time. Governments of the age were both efficient and popular and secured peace and prosperity for the people. Indians of our period made successful but peaceful efforts to spread Indian culture in Central Asia, China and Indian Archipelago and thus created new and valuable bonds of common culture between India and several islands and states in Eastern and Central Asia. Indian intellect in our period was remarkably creative and its achievements were notable as much in the spheres of religion, philosophy and literature as in those of science, and the fine and useful arts. An even balance was kept between *Dharma*, *Artha*, *Kāma* and *Moksha*, which enabled society both to lead a pious and religious life and to secure the economic prosperity and political greatness. Different religions and sects lived in peace and harmony, and the standard of average education and culture was higher than in any other period of Indian history. An age characterised by the above features may well be called the Golden Age of Indian history.