The emergence of the Gupta Empire in 4th century A.D. is often hailed as the “Golden period of Indian Architecture”. While the earlier Gupta rulers were Buddhists and continued the traditions of Buddhist architecture, temple architecture came to the forefront under the patronage of the Hindu rulers of the later Gupta phase.
Temple architecture reached its climax during this period. Similarly, Buddhist and Jain art also reached its peak during the Gupta Age.
The Gupta rulers, especially in the later phase, were Brahmanical rulers. However, they showed exemplary tolerance for all other religions. Three principal deities were worshipped – Vishnu in the Northern and Central part of India, Shiva in the Southern part and Shakti in the Eastern part of India as well as in the Malabar coast or South-west part of India.