2. Gupta Dynasty
The Gupta Empire was an ancient Indian
empire which existed from the mid-to-late 3rd
century CE to 543 CE. At its zenith, from
approximately 319 to 467 CE, it covered
much of the Indian subcontinent. This period
is considered as the Golden Age of India by
historians.
Historical era: Ancient India
3. Chandragupta l
Chandragupta Maurya (reign: 321–297 BCE) was the founder of the Maurya Empire in
ancient India. Chandragupta built one of the largest empires on the Indian
subcontinent. Chandragupta's life and accomplishments are described in ancient
Greek, Hindu, Buddhist and Jain texts, but they vary significantly. In Ancient Greek and
Latin accounts, Chandragupta is referred as Sandrokottos or Androcottus.
Chandragupta Maurya was a pivotal figure in the history of India, laying the foundations
of the first government to unite most of South Asia. Chandragupta, under the tutelage
of Chanakya, created a new empire based on the principles of statecraft, built a large
army, and continued expanding the boundaries of his empire until ultimately renouncing
it for an ascetic life in his final years. Prior to his consolidation of power, Alexander the
Great had invaded the North-West Indian subcontinent before abandoning his
campaign in 324 BCE due to a mutiny caused by the prospect of facing another large
empire, presumably the Nanda Empire. Chandragupta defeated and conquered both
the Nanda Empire, and the Greek satraps that were appointed or formed from
Alexander's Empire in South Asia. Chandragupta first gained regional prominence in
the Greater Punjab region in the Indus. He then set out to conquer the Nanda Empire
centered in Pataliputra, Magadha. Afterwards, Chandragupta expanded and secured
his western border, where he was confronted by Seleucus I Nicator in the Seleucid-
Mauryan War. After two years of war, Chandragupta was considered to have gained the
upper hand in the conflict and annexed satrapies up to the Hindu Kush. Instead of
prolonging the war, both parties settled on a marriage treaty between Chandragupta
and Seleucus I Nicator. India as well as making inroads into Central and South India.
4. Chandragupta ll
Chandragupta Il, also known by his title Vikram Aditya, was one of
the most powerful emperors of the Gupta Empire in northern India.
Chandragupta continued the expansionist policy of his father
Samudra Gupta: historical evidence suggests that he defeated the
Western Kshatriyas, and extended the Gupta empire from the
Indus River in the west to the Bengal region in the east, and from
the Himalayan foothills in the north to the Narmada River in the
south. His daughter Prabhavatigupta was a queen of the southern
Vakataka kingdom, and he may have had influence in the Vakataka
territory during her regency. The Gupta empire reached its zenith
during the rule of Chandragupta. Chinese pilgrim Faxian, who
visited India during his reign, suggests that he ruled over a peaceful
and prosperous kingdom. The legendary figure of Vikram Aditya is
probably based on Chandragupta II (among other kings), and the
noted Sanskrit poet Kalidas may have been his court poet.
5. Kumara Gupta
• Kumara Gupta I was an emperor of the
Gupta Empire of Ancient India. A son of the
Gupta emperor Chandragupta II and queen
Dhruva Devi, he seems to have maintained
control of his inherited territory, which
extended from Gujarat in the west to
Bengal region in the east.
6. Skanda Gupta
Skanda Gupta was a Gupta Emperor of India. His Bhitari pillar
inscription suggests that he restored the Gupta power by
defeating his enemies, who may have been rebels or foreign
invaders. He repulsed an invasion by the Indo-Hephthalites,
probably the Kida rites.
7. Narasimha Gupta Baladitya
Narasimha Gupta Baladitya was an emperor of the Gupta Empire
of North India. He was son of Purugupta and probably the
successor of Budhagupta.
8. Kumara Gupta lll
Kumara Gupta III was a later Gupta Emperor. He succeeded his father
Narasimha Gupta in about 530 CE. His silver-copper seal was discovered
in Bhitari in 1889, which mentions the names of his father Narasimha
Gupta and grandfather Purugupta.
9. Questions?
1. Who took the title of Vikram Aditya?
2. Which are Samudra Gupta's achievements?
3. Who was not a contemporary of Kanishka?
4. The first major inscription in classical Sanskrit is that of…
5. Which is not an attribute of Samudra Gupta described in Pragya
Prashasti?
6. Which one was not one of the nine jewels of Chandragupta II’s court?
7. In Sanskrit plays written during the Gupta’ period, women and Sudras
speak?
8. Which Gupta kings had to face the first Huna invasion?
9. The erstwhile Satavahan dominion was divided by several dynasties,
which is not one of them?
10. Which kings took the unique title Samrat?
