Guptas
PART-A Unit-III: History, Culture of India, and Indian National Movement
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The Gupta Empire – PYQ Points
• Chronology: Sri Gupta → Chandragupta I → Samudragupta → Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) → Kumaragupta I → Skandagupta.
• Golden Age: Called the Golden Age of Literature and Arts.
• Type of Government: Monarchy. Kings called themselves ‘Paramabhagavata’.
• Golden Age: Called the Golden Age of Literature and Arts.
• Type of Government: Monarchy. Kings called themselves ‘Paramabhagavata’.
1. Important Rulers and Features
- Chandragupta I: Founder of the Gupta Era. Married the Licchavi princess Kumaradevi (both appear on coins).
- Samudragupta: Called the “Napoleon of India” (V.A. Smith). His court poet was Harisena (Allahabad Pillar Inscription). He received the titles Kaviraja and Maharajadhiraja.
- Chandragupta II: Defeated the Sakas. Built the Mehrauli Iron Pillar. Chinese traveler Fa-Hien visited during his reign (401–410 CE).
- Kumaragupta I: Founder of the famous Nalanda University.
- Skandagupta: Repelled the invasion of the Hunas (“Hero of Asia and Europe”).
2. Inscriptions and Sources
| Inscription / Source | Related Ruler |
|---|---|
| Allahabad Pillar (Prayag Prashasti) | Samudragupta (engraved by Harisena) |
| Mehrauli Iron Pillar | Chandragupta II |
| Eran Pillar | Samudragupta |
| Junagadh |
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