UPSC Mains 2022 · GS I · Q12 · 15 marks · 250 words

Discuss the main contributions of Gupta period and Chola period to Indian heritage and culture.

हिन्दी में

भारतीय परम्परा और संस्कृति में गुप्त-काल और चोल-काल के योगदान पर चर्चा करें ।

Art and CultureAncient IndiaMedieval India

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “Estimate the contributions of Chalukyas of Badami to Indian heritage and culture.”

Surabhi YadavAIR 14 · CSE 2025 · 147 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a date or context

Chalukyas of Badami emerged in Post Gupta phase overtaking vakatakas in Deccan India.

Body · points

Contribution of chalukyas to Heritage & culture

  1. Major contribution to Architecture - → Developed Vesara style of Architecture. Blend of Nagara & Dravida style. Eg: Huchimalligudi temple, Aihole.

  2. Panchatayana style developed. Eg: Ladkhan temple

Diagram
Map: Area of chalukya influence - Map of southern India indicating three points within a circle: - Pattadakal - Aihole - Badami - Bagalkote district of Karnataka

  1. Inclusion in world Heritage site list, UNESCO. (eg) Papanath Temple at Pattadakal -

  2. Contribution to Art - development of cave art at Aihole.

  3. Religious tolerance propagated. Built temples - Ladkhan as well as Jain temple (eg) Megutti temple, Aihole.

  4. Literary contribution of chalukyas to development of Badami script.

  5. Naval development and port development still source of prestige today (eg) Sopara port near Mumbai.

  6. Tradition of Military & its Inscriptions preservation (eg) Aihole Inscription of win against Harshavardhana by Pulakesin II

Close · a summary

Thus, Chalukyas have led the prestige to global level of India.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2022, General Studies Paper I, Q12. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.