What is an era in historical studies?

An era is a distinct period in history marked by significant events, cultural changes, or the dominance of a particular system or ruler. It helps historians categorize time for easier understanding. For example, the Christian or Common Era (CE) and Before Common Era (BCE) divide global history into two major timeframes. Similarly, in India, the Gupta Era or Mughal Era represents phases of cultural and political achievement. Eras provide chronological boundaries that allow historians to organize events systematically, making it easier to compare developments and analyze transitions between major historical phases.