A highly organised and efficient administration resulted in the all-round prosperity of the country. Economic stability gave rise to the growth of a number of prosperous urban centers. Industry, trade and commerce showed positive signs of progress.
The large number of beautiful gold coins issued by the Gupta rulers testify to the growth of the imperial economy. Land revenue called as Bhagakara or Udranga formed the greatest source of wealth for the state. Generally, the state claimed one sixth of the produce as tax, which, however, varied from place to place according to the quality of land. It was usually collected in kind.
The Gupta period witnessed prosperous inland and overseas trade and commerce. Trade and commerce was directly proportionate to the progress of industry. Along with trade and industry, agriculture has been one of the mainstays of economy. Fa-Hien, has mentioned that the general richness of the people made them charitable. There were a large number of hospitals, wayside rest houses and charitable institutions. The hospitals provided free service to the rich and the poor alike.