[Free PDF] Gupta Empire [319 AD-550 AD] - Notes, MCQs, and Quiz

Gupta Empire / Gupta Dynasty was one of the most influential dynasties in medieval India, known for its succession of rulers who rose from slavery to establish a powerful Sultanate in Delhi. The Slave Dynasty laid the foundation for centralized administration, military reforms, and cultural developments that shaped the course of Indian history during the 13th century.

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This article provides an overview of the Gupta Dynasty, its rulers, achievements, and significance in Indian history. It also includes multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and a quiz to test your knowledge about this important period.

Timeline of Gupta Empire

Year	Event
240-280 AD	Reign of Sri Gupta, the founder of the Gupta Dynasty
280-319 AD	Reign of Ghatotkacha, son of Sri Gupta
319-335 AD	Reign of Chandragupta I, who expanded the empire
335-375 AD	Reign of Samudragupta, known as the “Napoleon of India”
375-415 AD	Reign of Chandragupta II, also known as Vikramaditya
415-455 AD	Reign of Kumaragupta I, who established the Nalanda University
455-467 AD	Reign of Skandagupta, who defended the empire against invasions
467-473 AD	Reign of Purugupta, who faced internal strife
476-495 AD	Reign of Budhagupta, who continued the policies of his predecessors
495-530 AD	Reign of Narasimhagupta, who faced the Huna invasions
540-550 AD	Reign of Vishnugupta, the last ruler of the Gupta Dynasty

Major Rulers of the Slave Dynasty

Ruler	Reign Period
Sri Gupta	c. 240–280 AD
Ghatotkacha	c. 280–319 AD
Chandragupta I	c. 319–335 AD
Samudragupta	c. 335–375 AD
Chandragupta II	c. 375–415 AD
Kumaragupta I	c. 415–455 AD
Skandagupta	c. 455–467 AD
Purugupta	c. 467–473 AD
Budhagupta	c. 476–495 AD
Narasimhagupta	c. 495–530 AD
Vishnugupta	c. 540–550 AD

Sri Gupta

• Reign: c. 240–280 AD
• Achievements: Founder of the Gupta Empire, established a strong central authority.

Ghatotkacha

• Reign: c. 280–319 AD
• Achievements: Continued the policies of his father, expanded the empire’s territory.

Chandragupta I

• Reign: c. 319–335 AD

Achievements

• He obtained the title of “Maharajadhiraja” (Great King of Kings).
• Expanded the empire through strategic marriages and military conquests.
• Married Licchavi princess Kumaradevi, which strengthened his position.
• Established the Gupta Samvat in 319 AD, marking the beginning of a new calendar system.
• Died in 335 AD, succeeded by his son Samudragupta.

Samudragupta

• Reign: c. 335–375 AD

Achievements

• Known as the “Napoleon of India” for his military (by VA Smith). Titles of “Kaviraja” (King of Poets), Param Bhagavata, Ashvamedha Parakram, and Sarvaraja Ochheta are also attributed to him.
• Conquered a vast territory, including parts of present-day India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
• Conducted the Ashvamedha Yagna (Horse Sacrifice) to assert his sovereignty.
• Patron of arts and literature, Harisena, his court poet wrote about his military campaigns in Prayag Prasthi(which was installed by Ashoka).
• Established a strong administrative system and promoted trade and commerce.
• Had most area for his empire.

Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya)

• Reign: c. 375–415 AD

Achievements

• Known as Vikramaditya, he is celebrated for his patronage of arts and literature.
• Married to the daughter of the Nagas, Kubernaga which helped in expanding the empire.
• Defeated the Shakas and expanded the Gupta Empire to its zenith.
• Expanded the empire further through military conquests and strategic alliances.
• Had Nine Jewels (Navaratnas) in his court, including the famous poet Kalidasa.
• Strengthened trade relations with foreign countries, particularly with the Roman Empire.
• Fa Hien, a buddhist monk, visited India during his reign and documented the prosperity of the Gupta Empire.
• He made Iron Pillar of Mehrauli, Delhi.
• He made his second capital Ujjaini.

Navratnas in the court of Chandragupta II

The Navaratnas in the court of Chandragupta II were:

• Amarsimha, a Sanskrit lexicographer and poet;
• Dhanvantari, a renowned physician;
• Harisena, a poet and writer;
• Kalidasa, a celebrated poet and playwright;
• Kahapanaka, an astrologer;
• Sanku, an architect;
• Varahamihira, an astronomer;
• Vararuchi, a grammarian and Sanskrit scholar; and
• Vetalbhatta, a magician.

Kumaragupta I

• Reign: c. 415–455 AD

Achievements

• Known for establishing the Nalanda University, one of the world’s first residential universities.
• Adopted the title of “Mahendraditya”.
• Worshipped Lord Kartikeya.
• Kalidas flourished during his time

Skanda Gupta

• Reign: c. 455–467 AD

Achievements

• Skanda Gupta Successfully defeated Huns and adobted the title of “Vikramaditya”.
• Also made Bhitari Pillar.

Later Guptas

• Purugupta c. 467–473 AD
• Budhagupta c. 476–495 AD
• Narasimhagupta c. 495–530 AD
• Last ruler of Gupta Empire was Vishnugupta who ruled from c. 540 to 550 AD

Frequently Asked Questions about the Gupta Empire

What was the Gupta Empire?

The Gupta Empire was an ancient Indian empire that existed from approximately 320 to 550 CE. It is known for its advancements in science, art, literature, and philosophy, and is often referred to as the "Golden Age" of India.

Who founded the Gupta Empire?

Chandragupta I is credited as the real founder the Gupta Empire around 320 CE. He was the first significant ruler of the dynasty and expanded its territory significantly through military conquests and marriage alliances.

What were the major achievements during the Gupta period?

Major achievements included progress in mathematics (concept of zero, decimal system), astronomy, literature (works by Kalidasa), architecture, and the establishment of universities like Nalanda.

Who were some prominent rulers of the Gupta Empire?

Notable rulers included Chandragupta I, Samudragupta (known for his military prowess), and Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya), under whom the empire reached its peak.

What led to the decline of the Gupta Empire?

The decline was caused by internal weaknesses, succession issues, and invasions by the Huns (Hephthalites). By the mid-6th century CE, the empire had fragmented into smaller kingdoms.

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