Architecture during Gupta Period: With Special Reference to Literature and Structural Remains from Archaeological Excavations

The antiquity of structural activities goes back as far as the Prehistoric period, where the Mesolithic people constructed their houses in the form of huts. The Neolithic man built their houses in the form of mud structures as well. During the Chalcolithic age houses were constructed with the use of unbaked bricks. This paper examines the architecture of the Gupta period as referenced in the works of Kalidas, including but not limited to Abhigyaanshakuntalam and Vikramorvashiyam. During Gupta period, the constructions were generally in various forms like rock-cut monuments, temples, stupas, viharas, administrative and residential buildings. The study of Ancient Indian architecture/monuments has played a significant role in understanding human past. The current study references the mentions of city structure like the palaces, bathhouses, entertainment areas, moats, etc. in contemporary literature and discusses their relevance to the understanding of architecture of the period among archeologists and historians.