Gupta Empire

Following the fragmentation of The Satavahana Empire in 225 CE, the Gupta Empire emerged as one of the successor states.

Map of the Gupta Empire

## The Gupta Empire

### Succeded by

* Post-Gupta Successor Kingdoms
* The Hephthalite Empire

# 225 - 319

The founder of the Gupta empire, was named as Shri-Gupta. Gupta ruled until his death in 280, and his son Ghatotkacha, succeeded him.

Ghatotkacha made a matrimonial alliance with the Lichchhavi kingdom, which resulted in the marriage of the Lichchhavi princess Kumaradevi to his son Chandragupta I.

Chandragupta I, became emperor in 319, with Kumaradevi, a Lichchhavi empress, the Lichchhavi kingdom were ended, the marriage helped Chandragupta to extend his political power.

# Golden Age

Under the rule of Chandragupta I, the Gupta Empire experienced a flourishing period marked by significant achievements in various fields, including science, mathematics, art, and literature.

Scholars and mathematicians during this time made advancements in the understanding of numbers, geometry, and the concept of zero. Aryabhata, lived during the Gupta period and made groundbreaking contributions.

The art of this era reflects a harmonious blend of Buddhist themes. Paintings and sculptures, stand as testimony to the artistic brilliance of the Gupta Empire.

# Gupta Wars

After Chandragupta I's death his son, Samudragupta, ascended to the throne in 335 CE. During the reign of Samudragupta, the Gupta Empire entered a series of military conquests. Including the uprooting of Achyuta, Nagasena, and Ganapati-naga. These kings rebelled against Samudragupta after the death of his father. Samudragupta quelled the rebellion, reinstated the rulers, and later faced a new uprising, leading to their defeat once again.

Samudragupta's expeditions took him through the forest tract of central India, reaching the eastern coast in present-day Odisha and the forest region (atavika).

In 375 Chandragupta II (Archaiological name, real name is lost in the sands of history) succeeded his father, Samudragupta, after his death due to injuries, Chandragupta II continued the military expansion initiated by his father. His victories against the Western powers, including the defeat of the Shakas (Western Kshatrapas) and the annexation of the regions they controlled further strengthened the Gupta Empire's dominance.

# Toramana

In 415 Kumaragupta succeeded his father, Chandragupta II and inherited territory and ongoing conflict with the Kidarites. Despite the valiant efforts, the Kidarites managed to retain their grip on the western domains, particularly central and western Punjab.

After the First Hunnic War unfolded in the 470s, the warlords of King Toramana, expanded their dominion significantly. Toramana's conquests reached far into Central Asia.

At Eran in 510 Toramana engaged in a decisive battle with the local Gupta ruler, Bhanugupta. With Malwa conquered, Toramana pressed on towards Magadha, compelling Gupta ruler Narasimhagupta Baladitya to retreat to Bengal. The conquest extended to the Gauda country, where Toramana seized the city of Tirtha and crowned a new king, Prakataditya, portrayed as the offspring of Narasimha Gupta.

Toramana's dominion met its end in 515 CE when he faced defeat at the hands of King Prakashadharma of the Aulikara. The Hephthalite Empire seized control of the territories once held by the Kidarites.

# Downfall

In 528 CE, King Yashodharman from Malwa, aided by Gupta emperor Narasimhagupta, defeated and expelled the Hephthalite warriors, However, the aftermath of the conflicts left the Gupta empire suffering severe setbacks due to the destruction of monasteries and the persecution of monks. Great centers of learning, including the city of Taxila, were destroyed, leading to cultural regression.

The Gupta Empire's entered into political chaos, and 6 emperors ruled at the same time leading to the empire's downfall in 550.

Following the Gupta Empire, successor kingdoms emerged. In the Gangetic region, the Maukhari and Pushyabhuti kingdoms succeeded the Gupta Empire. In the western regions, the Gurjaras, Pratiharas, and later the Chaulukya-Paramara kingdoms took over.