upscools
39th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1994

Development of Hinduism

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Who contributes the most in the development of Bhagavata sect?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: D

Concept The Gupta period (4th–6th century CE) was the golden age of classical Hinduism, where the Bhagavata sect (devotion to Krishna/Vishnu) became a dominant imperial religion.

Explanation The Gupta emperors were 'Parama-Bhagavatas' (supreme devotees of Vishnu). Their patronage led to the transition of Bhagavatism into systematic Vaishnavism.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: They commissioned the first Hindu structural temples, such as the Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh.
Logic 2: The term 'Vaishnava' began to replace 'Bhagavata' as the cult integrated with broader Vedic traditions under Gupta sponsorship.
Logic 3: Puranic stories of Rama and Krishna were codified and immortalized in sculptures during this era.

Active Recall

Question

How did the Gupta rulers declare their religious identity on coins?

Answer

They often adopted the title 'Parama-Bhagavata' and replaced the Buddhist trident with the 'Garuda Dhwaja' (Garuda-headed standard) on their coins.

Core Insight

Under the Guptas, the Bhagavata sect was transformed from a localized tribal cult of the Vrsnis into a pan-Indian institutionalized religion.

Practice Navigation