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Gupta Dynasty
India Before the Guptas
After the downfall of the Kushans in the north and the Satvanahas in
the south, no great power rose in India. For nearly a hundred years,
India was divided into many independent states and there was
continuous struggle among themselves. There were kingdoms and
republics, where the republics were ruled by the elected chiefs. In
the south, Malwa and Khatiawar were ruled by Rudradaman. In Magadha
the Lichhavis rose to prominence. The Nagas established their kingdoms
in the northern India whereas the Pallavas established their kingdoms
in the Southern India on the ruins of the Satvanaha empire.
Gupta Dynasty
After the Kushans, the Guptas were the most important dynasty. The
information about Guptas is known from the archaeological remains,
inscriptions and coins. Early in the beginning of the fourth century,
a chief called Sri Gupta ruled a small kingdom in Magadha. He was then
succeeded by his son Ghatokacha. They were mostly minor rulers in
east Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Reign of Chandragupta I (AD 320-335)
The first famous king of the Gupta dynasty was Ghatokacha's son
Chandragupta I. He married Kumaradevi, the daughter of the chief of
the Lichhavis. This marriage was a turning point to Chandragupta I. He
got Patliputra in dowry from the Lichhavis. From Patliputra, he laid
the foundation of his empire and started conquering many neighbouring
states with the help of the Lichhavis. He ruled over Magadha (Bihar),
Prayaga and Saketa (east Uttar Pradesh). His kingdom extended from
the river Ganges to Allahabad. Chandragupta I also got the title of
Maharajadhiraja (King of Kings) and ruled for about fifteen
years.
An important act of Chandragupta I was the holding of an assembly of
councillors and members of the royal family at which Prince
Samudragupta was formally nominated as the successor of the Gupta
empire.