Life, Thought, and Culture in India, C. AD 300-1000

Book excerpt: The Period Ad 300-1000 Is Often Described As The 'Golden Age' Of Indian History, Phenomenal And All-Round Intellectual Advancement Was Perhaps The Distinctive Characteristic Of This Age. Vigorous Religious, Cultural And Philosophical Pursuits Encompassed Every Sphere Of Life-The Arts, Architecture And Music, Dance And Literature. Such Activity Resulted In Competition And Rivalry That Were Never Irrational, Soulless Or Destructive. Indeed The Central Spirit Was One Of Tolerance, Mutual Respect And Even Correlational Adaptation And Reciprocal Acceptance. It Is Equally Interesting To Observe That The Rise And Fall Of Dynasties And Political Powers, Big Or Small, Did Little To Hamper The Growth And Activities Of Religious Sects, And Schools Of Philosophy, Art And Literature, That Flourished During The Period Under Review.