Question

Compare and contrast the society of Guptas with that of Mauryas.

Answer 1

• Mauryan Society:

1. According to Megasthenes, the Greek historian, the ancient Mauryan society comprised of seven divisions namely philosophers, farmers, soldiers, herdsmen, artisans, magistrates, and councilors which were referred to as castes.
2. In the ancient Mauryan society, the cultivators formed the largest group becoming the central nerve of agriculture in society.
3. The caste system was a very prevalent one.
4. Women were also engaged in a variety of activities like archers, royal bodyguards, spies, and performers. But women were most of the time dominated by their male counterparts.
5. Wisdom had a very honorable place in society. Offenses against women were severally dealt with.
6. An urban way of life developed. Education became fairly widespread.
7. Slavery in India was beginning to make an appearance.

• Gupta Society:

1. Society has adhered to the four vama system.
2. According to the laws of Manu, which were in force, women should be under the protection of their father, husband, or eldest son.
3. Polygamy was widely prevalent.
4. The kings and the feudatory lords often had more than one wife.
5. Inscriptions refer to Kubernaga and Dhruvasvamini as the queens of Chandragupta II.
6. Sati was practiced during the Gupta rule.