The Gupta Empire ruled over northern India from 320 to 500 CE. Key rulers included Chandragupta I, who established the empire, Samudragupta who expanded its territory by defeating neighboring rulers, and Chandragupta II who presided over a golden age of prosperity through extensive trade networks. During this period, India experienced advances in areas such as mathematics, astronomy, medicine, sculpture, and literature as exemplified by the works of poet Kalidasa. However, invasions by the Huns in the 4th century led to the decline of the Gupta Empire and the fracturing of northern India into separate kingdoms.