Discuss major development took place during Enlightenment period in 18th century ?

 Enlightenment caused a new atmosphere in Europe. Europe got a new awakening. Enlightenment had deep impact on socio-economic-political set up. In short, the importance of Enlightenment can be discussed as follows

Administrative reforms

 A general impact of enlightenment can be seen in administrative reforms. Under the new reforms the functions of government were clearly divided among subordinate branches. Enlightenment also resulted in codification of laws. It brought uniformity in judicial system and the development of new statistical systems and legal amendments in taxation.

Epoch of Monarchic Repentance 

The age is known as the age of monarchic repentance. The absolute, autocratic, selfish, cruel and suppressive monarchy was replaced by a liberal, philanthropic and intellectual monarchy. The sovereign monarchs concentrated on the public welfare. The spirit of humanism prevailed over the individual ambition of rulers. Significant changes took place in the public education, improvement in the condition of self, promotion of literature, improvement in a rigorous penal code, abolition of poverty, establishment of hospitals, interpretation, improvement and compilation of laws took place. 

Progress of Literature and arts

 In the age of Enlightenment literature attained was formed in new form. The age encouraged the printing production of reference works like dictionaries, encyclopedias and compendiums of various types. Art was also underwent great change in the age. The artist made emphatic use of colour, gesture ornamentation, movement and development style. The artist continued to follow the tenets of classical art and reinforced it with reason. A new form of architecture was flourished. It was dynamism and fluidity. Painting and sculpture also underwent a great change. Portrait painting became very popular. Sculptures were mostly imitations of the classical forms. In fact, the cult of reason which was a predominant feature of the age of enlightenment left a deep impact on literature, fine arts as well as music. On the whole, the net results of the Enlightenment were far-reaching. The Catholic Church lost its earlier authority and allegiance of the people. The bourgiois were released from the sense of sin in life and enjoyed a free life. Man's self-confidence enriched. Europeans' desired for their individual liberty. The theory of divine right of the monarchy faced a setback. Hence, we find that the cult of reason was a predominant feature of the age of Enlightenment. It had a deep impact on literature, fine arts, music, society as well as polity.