The Gupta Period (4th to 6th century) and Chola Period (9th to 11th century) left amazing examples of their glorious reign in the field of religion, literature, architecture, science & technology, painting, etc which has been called the ‘Golden era’ of India’s culture and heritage.
- Religion: They were devout Vaishnava themselves and tolerant towards the believers of Buddhism and Jainism. Cholas promoted Saivaits. A highly evolved philosophical system called Saiva Siddhanta was founded during this period.
- Literature: Poet and playwright Kalidasa created such epics as Abhijnanasakuntalam, Malavikagnimitram; Vishakhadatta wrote Mudrarakshasa, etc. During Chola period, Kamban Ramayan written by Kamban (Tamil Ramayan), Kamban Ramayan by Kamban (Tamil Ramayan)
- Architecture: With Dashavatara temple at Deogarh, nagara style of temple architecture took shape. Chola art saw culmination of dravida temple art e.g. Brihadeswara, Airavasteshwara temples.
- Science and Technology: Varahamihira wrote Brihatsamhita and also contributed to the fields of astronomy and astrology. Aryabhata wrote Surya Siddhanta which covered several aspects of geometry, trigonometry and cosmology.
- Metallurgy: Iron pillar found at Mehrauli of Chandragupta has not gathered any rust till date is a great tribute to the technological skill of the craftsmen. Bronze Nataraja at Chidamabaram temple is finest example of Chola art.
- Painting: Painting at Ajanta, Ellora, bagh caves are finest example of Gupta Painting. Mural painting at Brihadeshwar temple is marked with realism and beginning of painting in Southern empire.
Both contributed extensively to enrich Indian heritage and culture through their imprints to temple architecture and their rule is often referred to golden era of temple construction in Tamil Nadu.