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CHANDRAGUPTA-I
(319 CE – 330/335 CE)
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- First important ruler was Chandragupta-I (319 CE – 330/335 CE) who is considered actual founder of the dynasty.
- He assumed the title of ‘Maharajadhiraj’.
- His reign covered regions of South Bihar, Jharkhand and parts of Eastern Uttar Pradesh (Saketa and Prayaga).
- His accession in about AD 319-20 marks the beginning of the Gupta Samvat (era).
- Chandragupta-I married the Licchavi princess Kumardevi and increased his influence in the North Bihar region (Nepal).
- Gold Coins bearing the figures of Kumardevi and Chandragupta 1st known as Kumardevi Coins were issued.
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SAMUDRAGUPTA
(335 CE – 375/380 CE)
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- The son of Chandragupta-I, Samudragupta, became the next ruler whose conquests are recorded in Prayaga Prashasti (Eulogy).
- These conquests Prayaga Prashasti were composed by Samudragupta’s court poet, a scholar and minister, Harishena in classical Sanskrit.
- According to Prayaga Prashasti, Samuddragupta conquered: Eight kings of Aryavarta – (northern India i.e., Ganga Valley);
- Samudragupta captured and then liberated and reinstated 12 kings of Dakshinapatha (South India).
- A large part of the subcontinent succumbed to the power of Samudragupta and paid tribute.
- Samudragupta performed the Ashwamedh Yajna (sacrifice) post these achievements.
- He issued Ashwamedh coins, Tiger-slayer coin, Battle-axe coin and Veena-Coin in which he is displayed playing the Veena.
- Samudragupta was not only a conqueror but also a great poet, musician and patron of learning.
- Samudragupta’s successful conquests has earned him the title of ‘Napoleon of India’.
Allahabad pillar inscriptions called him “Dharma Prachar Bandhu”. |
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CHANDRAGUPTA-II
(380 CE – 414 CE)
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- Coming to the throne, Chandragupta-II defeated the Sakas in western region (Gujarat, Kathiawar and west Malwa), assumed the title of ‘Vikramaditya’ and ruled from Ujjain.
- Udaigiri Cave Inscription (Vidisha, MP) and Sanchi inscription inform us about this.
- He married Kubernaga of the Naga family and had a daughter by her named Prabhavatigupta.
- Prabhavatigupta was married to Vakataka Rudrasen 2nd of Central India, after Rudrasen’s death, Prabhavatigupta ruled as a regent between 390 CE to 410 CE.
- Chandragupta-II was the first Gupta ruler to issue silver coins bearing lion figure similar in pattern with Saka coins.
- Mehrauli iron pillar inscription (Delhi’s Qurub-minar complex) of Chandragupta-II records that Chandragupta-II defeated Valhikas of Bactria crossing the Saptsindhu.
- Kalidasa and Amarsinha lived in his court.
- Chinese Buddhist monk Fa-hsien visited his court.
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KUMARGUPTA I
(414 CE – 455 CE)
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- Karamdanda (Fyzabad) inscription refers to king Kumargupta I as ruler of 4 oceans, Mandsor inscription as ruler of all earth and copper plate inscription of Damodarpur as ‘Maharajadhiraj’.
- Bilsad (Etah) inscription also mentions Kumargupta I
- Kumargupta I performed Ashwamedha yajna and assumed titles like Ashwamedha-Mahendra and Mahendraditya
- Himself a devotee of Shiva, Kumargupta I issued Kartikeya type of coins bearing figure of peacock.
- While the threat of the Hunas crossing Hindukush was building up during Kumargupta I, on the whole his reign remained peaceful.
- During his reign Nalanda University was established.
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SKANDAGUPTA
(455 CE – 467 CE)
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- Son of Kumargupta I, Skandgupta, during his lifetime bravely fought and defeated Hunas on the North-Western frontier.
- His conquest over Pushyamitra is marked in Bhitari Pillar inscription.
- Got the Sudarshan Lake repaired (Junagadh inscription).
- Skandagupta’s death in 467 CE was followed by incompetent successors who could not keep the empire intact.
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DECLINE |
- Feudal lords (recipients of the land grants) stared asserting themselves and started setting up their own dynasties.
- Decentralized bureaucracy and absence of large, permanent and professional army were important factors of decline.
- Decline of foreign trade, invasions of Huna, weak successors contributed to their decline
- Vishnugupta (540 CE- 550 CE) was the last recognized Gupta ruler.
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