The Gupta Empire
Rise
After decline of Mauryan empire - Kushanas in the North and Satavahanas in the Deccan region were the major rulers
During decline, they split into several small kingdoms
Beginning of 4th Cent. CE - United under Gupta dynasty
Most info about it from coins, inscriptions, monuments and Kalidasa's Sanskrit classics
Guptas were great conquerors and administrators
Defended the country from the Sakas and the Hunas
Chandragupta I
Succeeded his father Ghatotkacha in c. 319 CE
Matrimonial alliance with Kumaradevi, Lichchhavi princess
Tribe with political control of Magadhan regions
Received Magadha with Pataliputra as dowry
Kingdom - parts of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Bengal
Maharajadhiraja
Samudragupta
Napoleon of India
Prayaga Prasasti at Allahabad, written in Sanskrit by court poet, Harishena
Extended Gupta empire over Ganga-Yamuna valley to Mathura and to Kanchipuram in South
Did not annex south Indian territories - tributary kings
Issued eight types of coins, most of them in gold.
Celebrated poet and musician. Played veena.
Patronised poets and scholars of Sanskrit
Tolerant towards other religions.
Chandragupta II
Zenith of Gupta empire
Greatest victory - over the Shaka-Kshatrapas
Gupta empire got control over western seaports
Vikramaditya
Court had many scholars - Kalidasa
Fa Hien
Chinese pilgrim
Wrote a book Fwo-kyo-ki
Described north Indian people as honest, prosperous and happy. Corporal punishments were rare.
Kumaragupta I
Skandagupta
Last great ruler
Defeated the Hunas which tried to invade from north-west.
Rulers were great patrons of literature, art and architecture.