Gupta Empire (AD 3rd Century – AD 550)

After the collapse of the Mauryan Empire, there was no stable government in India until the establishment of the Gupta Empire in 320 AD. Historians describe the Gupta period as the golden age in Indian history. The Gupta Empire was founded by Srigupta. After Srigupta, Ghatotkachagupta ruled. Both of them took the title of 'Maharaja'. The Gupta Empire was described as the 'Land of Brahmins' by the Chinese Buddhist scholar and traveler Fa Hian. The major kings who ruled the Gupta Empire were Chandragupta I, Samudragupta, Ramagupta, Chandragupta II, Kumaragupta I, and Skandagupta.

Chandragupta I (320 - 335 AD)

Chandragupta I was the first notable ruler of the Gupta dynasty. It was during his reign that the Guptas emerged as a powerful political force. Chandragupta assumed the title of 'Maharajadhiraja'. He was the first Gupta emperor to assume this title. Chandragupta is the founder of the Gupta calendar. In 320 AD, he started a new calendar called 'Gupta calendar'. This calendar, which was followed by all his successors, was in use for about 600 years. The Mehrauli inscription praises Chandragupta's achievements.

Samudragupta (335 - 375 AD)

It was Samudragupta, the son and successor of Chandragupta I, who transformed the Gupta Empire into an empire. We get information about Samudragupta's life and achievements from the 'Allahabad Pillar Inscription' written by his general and chief poet Harisena. Samudragupta was not only a skilled warrior. He was also renowned as a skilled statesman, diplomat, scholar and musician. Samudragupta was known as 'Kaviraja'. Coins issued during Samudragupta's reign depict him playing the veena.

Ramagupta (375 - 380 AD)

Samudragupta's successor, Ramagupta, ruled for only five years. Information about Ramagupta is available in the Sanskrit play 'Devi Chandragupta' by Visakhadatta.

Chandragupta II (380 - 413 AD)

The reign of Chandragupta II witnessed the most brilliant period of the Gupta Empire. He is known as Vikramaditya. The coins minted during his reign depict him fighting a lion. Chandragupta II was also known as Devarajan. Chandragupta encouraged art and literature. The court of scholars known as the 'Navaratnams' adorned his court. Kalidasa, Dhanvantari, Kshapanaka, Amarasinha, Shanku, Vetalabhatta, Ghatkarpara, Varahamihira and Vararuchi were known as the Navaratnas. Music, painting and sculpture also made remarkable progress during his reign. The Chinese Buddhist scholar and traveler Fa Hian visited India during Chandragupta's reign.

Kumaragupta I (413–455 AD)

Chandragupta II was succeeded by his son Kumaragupta I. He carefully guarded the inherited empire. He was the one who built the Buddhist monastery at Nalanda. Towards the end of Kumaragupta's reign, the Gupta Empire was attacked by the Hunas and the Pushyamitras.

Skandagupta (455–467 AD)

Kumaragupta's son and successor, Skandagupta, repelled the invaders and saved the Gupta Empire from collapse. Skandagupta was the last strong Gupta emperor.

Gupta Period Navaratnas

Kalidasa, Dhanvantari, Kshapanaka, Amarasinha, Shanku, Vetalabhatta, Ghatkarpara, Varahamihira, Vararuchi

Major Works of the Gupta Period

■ Kalidasa - Shakuntala, Malavikagnimitra, Vikramorvasiya, Kumarasambhavam, Raghuvansam, Meghadoot, Ritu Samharam

■ Visakhadatta - Mudrarakshasam, Devichandragupta

■ Shudraka - Mricchakadika

■ Bharavi - Kiratarjuniyam

■ Dandi - Kavyadarshanam, Dasakumaracharita

■ Bhasa - Charudatta

■ Subandhu - Vasavadatta

■ Vishnu Sharma - Panchatantra

■ Amarasingha - Amarakosham