The Guptas were great patrons of art and literature. They paid great attention to the development of art and literature in India.
1. Art: Mathura became the famous centre of art during the Gupta period. It produced the most beautiful statues of the Buddha, Jain and Hindu gods and goddesses. Sarnath near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh was also famous for good sculptures. Many beautiful temples were also made. The temples of Deogarh in Madhya Pradesh and Bhitari near Kanpur are very famous. The world-famous Ajanta Caves near Aurangabad in Maharashtra, with beautiful paintings in them, were also made. The kings made these caves for the residence and worship of the Buddhist monks. The famous Stupa of Sanchi was also rebuilt.
2. Literature: Best pieces of literature were produced during the Gupta period. The famous Sanskrit poet Kalidasa wrote several dramas and poems. His play Shakuntala and his poem Meghaduta are very famous, Other writers of the Gupta period were Amarasimha, Sudraka, Dandin, etc.
