Public Administration in Ancient India c20.37

c20.37

After the time of Asoka, the most flourishing period of Indian architecture was that of the Guptas. As Mr. V. A. Smith points out, " in India the establishment of a vigorous dynasty ruling over wide dominions has invariably resulted in the application of a strong stimulus to the development of man's intellectual and artistic powers. Such a dynasty, exercising its administrative duties effectively, fostering commerce, maintaining active intercourse, commercial and diplomatic, with foreign states, displaying the pomp of a magnificent court, both encourages the desire to do great things and provides the material patronage without which authors and artists cannot live."²