Jainism, because of its strict principals and taboos, could not get widespread popularity and remained confined to small communities only. It also could not have any impact on foreign countries. On the other hand, Buddhism, under the patronisation of Ashoka, spread not only in India but also to neighbouring countries. Buddhism reduced the influence and status of Brahmans because individuals no longer depended on priestly class for their salvation.

However, Brahmanism showed its flexible side and started to change its structure in view of these two new religions — Buddhism and Jainism. Under the Gupta, the new format of Hindu religion was different to the Vedic one. It was known as Sanatana Dharma or universal religion. It made strict rules and regulations about caste system. The caste of Brahman became superior to other castes and was given responsibility to guide the community in spiritual matters. However, at the same time it lost some of its privileges which it enjoyed during the Vedic period.

In the new construction of the Hindu religion, some of the important teachings of Buddhism and Jainism were adopted such as the policy of dhamma or non violence, prohibition of slaughtering of animals and eating meat. Cow became sacred and revered as mata or mother. Gautama Buddha was recognised as one of the avatars of Hindu religion. This way Buddhism was absorbed in Hindu religion and soon lost its own identity in India.

In the new form of Hindu religion, there were three gods — Brahma, the creator, Vishnu, the protector and Shiv, the destroyer. The deities of the Harappan period Shakti, Bhawani and Kali also re-enlivened.

Now there were three ways for salvation — karma, dharma and kama. Karma meant that the good and bad deeds determined rebirth of an individual. According to it, sprit is immortal and come to life in a new form again and again. Dharma preaches to follow difficult path to acquire worldly benefits and Karma urges to enjoy pleasures of life.

The period was important because to regulate the Hindu religion, many dharmashastras were written during that time. Dharma is a Sanskrit word and it means to keep something intact. According to it everybody is obliged to follow the rules and regulations of his caste and profession in order to maintain discipline and order in the society — those who followed dharma, got salvation of their souls. Many dharmashastras were compiled from 300BC to 500AD to explain these rules.

Mansamarti, the famous dharmashastra, was written either in the first or second century AD. It divided the Hindu society into caste system and stopped any mobility from one caste to another. The concept of varna or colour became jati or birth. It means that once somebody is born in particular caste, he or she could not change it.The revival of Hinduism in a new form gave importance to Sanskrit which became the language of religious scholars but common people used to speak their own languages. As Sanskrit became court language, it was used as a medium in coins and inscriptions.

Coconut

Coconut that plays an important role in the Hindu religious ceremonies was first imported from Malaya. Increase in the production of coconut made it a vital part of cultural and religious practices in Hinduism.

Ban on foreign travelling

Before the Gupta period, traders were used to travel foreign countries by sea but Brahmans banned sea travel and visiting foreign countries on the ground that in this case travellers won't be able to observe caste rules and pollute them in the company of impure people. Consequently, it reduced the power of traders and increased the influence of Brahmans.