Shudras in Ancient India: A Social History of the Lower Order down to circa A.D. 600 c16.43

c16.43

The decline of trade and petty commodity production is further underlined by the decay of urban settlements in Gupta times and their desertion in the post-Gupta period. Excavated urban sites in north India show a constant improvement in structures from about the fifth century B.C. to about the third century A.D., the Kuṣāṇa levels providing the most flourishing phase. In Pakistan the Kuṣāṇa phase is so thriving that it is called the golden age of that country. But when we come to Gupta levels in northern India, we notice that Kuṣāṇa bricks are re-used in their buildings. In post-Gupta times most excavated sites were abandoned, for we have little or no signs of habitation. This is also attested by Hsüan Tsang. Although his observations are confined to the decay of the Buddhist towns, their number is considerable, and in many cases his statement can be substantiated archaeologically.² The decay of towns therefore would mean less activity for crafts and commerce.