Search Results: Samudragupta

Samudragupta (r. 335/350 - 370/380 CE) was the first significant ruler of the Gupta Dynasty. Having come to the throne, he decided to extend the boundaries of his empire to cover the multiple kingdoms and republics that existed outside its...

Chandragupta II (c. 375 CE - 413/14 CE) was the next great Gupta emperor after his father Samudragupta (335/350 - 370/380 CE). He proved to be an able ruler and conqueror with many achievements to his credit. He came to be known by his title...

The Gupta Empire stretched across northern, central and parts of southern India between c. 320 and 550 CE. The period is noted for its achievements in the arts, architecture, sciences, religion, and philosophy. Chandragupta I (320 – 335 CE...

The Gauda Kingdom came into being in the late 6th century CE in eastern India, as a result of the political disintegration of the Gupta Empire (3rd-6th century CE). Its core areas were situated in what is now the state of Bengal in India...

This map shows the conquests made by Gupta rulers in the 4th century CE and early 5th century CE. Of these three rulers—Chandragupta I, Samudragupta and Chandragupta II—Samudragupta’s conquests are the most important and the most extensive...

War was the chief means by which territory was annexed or rulers defeated in ancient India, which was divided into multiple kingdoms, republics and empires. Often one empire predominated or different empires co-existed. The Vedic literature...

The Gupta Dynasty (4th-6th century) in North Central India saw the first purpose-built Hindu (and also Buddhist) temples which evolved from the earlier tradition of rock-cut shrines. Adorned with towers and elaborate carvings, these temples...

Coins were introduced as a method of payment around the 6th or 5th century BCE. The invention of coins is still shrouded in mystery: According to Herodotus (I, 94), coins were first minted by the Lydians, while Aristotle claims that the first...

This coin issued by Emperor Samudragupta (335/350 – 370/380 CE) of the Gupta dynasty shows him wearing a Scythian-style coat, trousers and cap and Indian-style necklace and earrings. He has a halo around his head. The standard shown in the...

This gold coin issued by Emperor Samudragupta (335/350 – 370/380 CE) of the Gupta dynasty shows him playing the vina, an Indian stringed instrument resembling the lyre or lute. The legend on the coin says "Maharajadhiraja-Shri-Samudraguptah”...