Rail Adda

THE GUPTA EMPIRE

       (319 – 550 AD)

·      Srigupta was the founder of the Gupta dynasty.

·      I-tsing who visited India during 671 to 695 AD refers to Srigupta as the builder of a temple for Chinese pilgrims at Gaya.

·      Srigupta’s son Ghatotkacha succeeded him.

      Chandragupta-l (319-335 AD)

·      Chandragupta 1 is regarded as the true founder of Gupta empire. He married a Lichahhavi princess Kumaradevi.

·      Chandragupta 1 was the first Gupta king to adopt the title of Maharajadhiraja. He issued gold coins.

       Samundragupta (335-380 AD)

·      The Allahabad Pillar inscription gives detailed information about Samundragupta.

·      Samundragupta succeeded his father in Chandragupta-1.

·      He has been called as the ‘Indian Napolean’.

·      Samundragupta performed Ashvamedha Yajna.

·      He issued archer type, tiger type and battle type coins.

·      He is also called as Kaviraja.

·      He died in 380 AD and succeeded by his son Chandragupta-2

          Chandragupta-2(380-415 AD)

·      His mother’s name was Dattadevi.

·      He extended the limits of the empire by matrimonial alliances and conquests. He married Kubernaga.

·      After the victory over Sakas, He adopted the title of Vikramaditya.

·      Mehrauli Iron Pillar inscription says that he defeated the confederacy of Vangas and Vahilkas.

·      During his reign, Fa-Hien visited India.

·      Kalidas, Varahamihira, Dhanvantari, Amarasimha resided in his court.

         Kumargupta-1 (415-455 AD)

·      He succeede his father Chandragupta-2.

·      He founded the Monastry of Nalanda.

·      He adopted the title of Mahendraditya.

·      He introduced worship of God Kartikeya.

·      Kalidas flourished in the regin of both Chandragupta-2 and kumargupta-1.

 Skandagupta (455-467 AD)

·      He succeeded his father Kumargupta-1.

·      He assumed the titles Vikramadity, Devraj, and Sakapan.

·      He repaired the dam of Sudarshana Lake.

·      The power of Skandgupta is describe in Bhitari stone inscription.

·      He died in 467 AD.

             Vishnugupta was the last Gupta king.

             Kalidas who is known as Shakespeare of India resided in the court of Chandragupta-2.

             Guptas were the followers of Vaishnavism.

             Royal symbol of the Guptas was Garuda.

             Ramayana which contains 7 chapters written by  Valmiki also completed durin the period of  Gupta.