Description

About The Book

‘History’ is an unbiased dialogue with time, and ignoring evidence sets aside the essential questions necessary for research and analysis. Today, the authenticity of historical sources is confirmed by comparing literary records with archaeological findings. From this perspective, the study of inscriptions has emerged as an important branch of archaeology and a vital means of reconstructing history.
The fall of the Kushans marks a point in chronology beyond which no clear traces are visible. After the fourth century AD, as the clouds of historical uncertainty begin to lift, the fragmented threads of history appear to reconnect. If the Kushans represent one link in this chain, the Guptas form the next. Feudalism in India began with the tradition of land grants made to Brahmin temples and monasteries. Inscriptional evidence of these grants starts appearing from the first century BC and increases in number through the Gupta period.
During the Gupta era, villages, along with their lands and inhabitants — and including financial, administrative, and judicial rights (such as the authority to collect fines) — were bestowed upon religious beneficiaries (donees). These grants also exempted the donees from state interference, gradually eroding communal rights over land. Evidence of this is preserved in later donation charters, which record the transfer of community resources such as pastures, forests, water reservoirs, and fishing areas to these beneficiaries.
This book presents a review of the political, administrative, religious, social, and linguistic changes that occurred primarily in North India during the Gupta and post-Gupta periods, based on archival evidence. Additionally, it includes translations and references to representative original records from the Gupta and post-Gupta periods as sources for historical study.

About The Author

Dr. Preeti Kamal is an Assistant Professor of Sanskrit at Vinoba Bhave University. She imparts her profound knowledge of the ancient Indian language and its philosophical foundations with great dedication. Her academic journey culminated in a doctoral degree in Sanskrit in 2006 from the prestigious Allahabad University, solidifying her expertise in this revered field of study.
In her latest scholarly work, “Bhartiya Abhilekh: Ek Punaravalokan (Guptkalin evam Guptottarkalin Sandarbh),” Kamal delves into the political, administrative, religious, social, and linguistic transformations that occurred primarily in North India during the Gupta and post-Gupta periods, based on archival evidence. The book also includes translations and references to representative original inscriptions from these periods, serving as valuable sources for historical study.
Kamal’s previous academic endeavors have shed light on significant societal issues, particularly those related to women’s rights and social dynamics. Notable among her works are “Stree ke Liye Vyavahar mein Vidhi” (Practical Law for Women in the Context of Ancient Indian Literature), “Hindu Vidhwa Shree aur Vidyaman Visangati” (Hindu Widows and Existing Contradictions), “Rashtriya Suraksha ki Vaidik Vyavastha” (The Vedic System of National Security), “Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam” (The World is One Family), and “Gagar mein Sagar: ‘Arthshastra’” (An Outstanding Conceptual Legacy of Multidisciplinary Studies).
With a keen interest in women-centric issues and a deep commitment to addressing pervasive societal challenges, Kamal’s scholarly contributions aim to bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary concerns. Her work offers thought-provoking insights and potential solutions rooted in India’s rich philosophical traditions.