Author: Rituparna Das
Abstract: The secret period (fourth to 6th CE) is often considered as the golden age in Indian history, it was characterized by political stability, cultural development in the Gupta era. Both political and socially located on the eastern border of the Gupta Empire experienced significant transformations in this era. The goal of these studies is to explore the regional and social profile of Bengal through the analysis of Epigraphic proofs during the Gupta period, focusing on the inscriptions as the primary source of historical understanding. The study investigated the political mobility of Bengal under the Gupta Empire, examining political relations between the local rulers, the land grants and the central Gupta and the center. Further, it encourages the social structure of the region, highlighting the role of the Brahmins in the nation system, social classification and administration and religious patronage. Epigraphic records of land grants and religious grants provide valuable insights in the region, including the integration of religion with the agricultural economy and political forces. Besides, the position of the women will be highlighted at that time.
By examining these epigraphic sources, the research tried to restructure the regional and social identity of Bengal by providing new insights to its political autonomy, social organization and cultural interaction. This study contributes to the wide understanding of ancient Indian history, especially the role of the Gupta Empire, through the lens of epigraph, as well as the procedures to use inscriptions as an important historical resource.
Keywords: Gupta Era, Epigraphics Sources, Social Structure, Women, Gupta Empire.
Page No: 53-59