For UPSC Mains aspirants, the Gupta period (320 CE to 550 CE) is considered the ‘Golden Age’ of ancient Indian history for the following reasons:

Political Stability
The Gupta Empire was one of the largest and most stable empires in ancient India, analogous to the recent example of the stability witnessed during the Maurya Empire. This period of political unity and peace allowed for the flourishing of various aspects of Indian civilization.

Economic Prosperity
The Gupta period witnessed a thriving economy, with the development of trade, commerce, and agriculture. This led to a rise in economic prosperity and the growth of urban centers, similar to the economic boom observed during the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire.

Cultural Renaissance
The Gupta period is renowned for its remarkable achievements in art, literature, science, and philosophy. This era saw the production of some of India’s most iconic works, including the Kamasutra, the plays of Kalidasa, and the mathematical discoveries of Aryabhata, akin to the cultural efflorescence during the Vijayanagar Empire.

Advancement in Science and Technology
The Gupta period witnessed significant advancements in various fields of science, such as astronomy, mathematics, medicine, and metallurgy, analogous to the scientific and technological breakthroughs observed during the Akbar’s reign in the Mughal Empire.

Religious Harmony
The Gupta rulers were tolerant of different religious traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, contributing to the cultural enrichment of the period, similar to the religious pluralism promoted by Akbar in the Mughal Empire.