The Kushanas and the Satvahanas became weaker in the middle of the 3rd century after providing 200-year-long political and economic stability. Then, after a brief period of confusion, Guptas emerged on the scene in North India and Vakatakas in South India.
The Guptas were initially subordinates of a later Kushanas branch ruling in northwest India. They gained independence in the second decade of the 4th century CE and kept north India politically united for more than a century, from CE 335 to 455.
The Guptas may have been of Vaishyaorigin. They had their capital at Pataliputra. The royal emblem used by the Gupta empire was Garuda.
Kings
Their rule
Sri Gupta (240-280AD)
Srigupta was the founder of the Gupta empire.
The copper plate inscription of Prabhavatigupta describes Sri Gupta as Adiraja.
Chandragupta- I (319-335AD)
Chandragupta-1 is considered the actual founder of the Gupta empire.
He established the Gupta era(320AD).
He did a Pratilomamarriage (Higher caste) by marrying to Lichchavi princess.
He adopted the title Maharajadhiraja.
Samudragupta (335-375AD)
He tried to establish a Pan-India empire. Historian VA Smith has called him the Napoleon of India due to his vigorous expansionism.
Shakas, who ruled west India, lost to Samudragupta. The Prayag Prashastiinscription by Harisena on the Allahabad pillar mentions his territories. It also mentions Samudragupta’s attempt on South Indian territories, including the PallavakingVishnugopa.
He also performed Ashvamedha Yajna, as evident from his coins.
Chandragupta – II (380-412AD)
According to Vishakhadutta’s novel Devi-Chandraguptam, Chandragupta-II killed his brother Ramgupta to sit on the throne and married his wife, Queen Dhruvadevi.
He established his 2nd capital in Ujjain.
He married his daughter Prabhavati to Vakataka king Rudrasena and, after Rudrasena’s death, controlled the Vakataka territories through his daughter.
He was successful in military conquest against Shaka Satraps.
Fa Hein came during his reign.
Kumargupta I (415-445AD)
Prabhavati’s son, Dhruvasena, declared independence during his reign.
He died fighting against Hunas.
Kumaragupta is known for establishing Nalanda University.
Skandagupta (455-467AD)
He defeated the Huns in Mathura and pushed them back to the Northwest frontier province (NWFP).
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