Development of Hinduism

Guptas and the Bhagavata Sect | Birth of Vaishnavism

The Gupta dynasty contributed the most to the development of the Bhagavata sect. They were supreme devotees of Vishnu and built the first significant structural temples dedicated to him.

Archived: 1994

Updated: 6 Apr 2026

Exam Year

1994

Evidence Source

Standard Educational Reference

Who contributes the most in the development of Bhagavata sect?

[39th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1994]

Detailed Solution:

The correct answer is D.

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.

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

They commissioned the first Hindu structural temples, such as the Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh.

The term 'Vaishnava' began to replace 'Bhagavata' as the cult integrated with broader Vedic traditions under Gupta sponsorship.

Puranic stories of Rama and Krishna were codified and immortalized in sculptures during this era.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

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

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

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

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

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