The document outlines the significant rulers of the Gupta dynasty, including Chandragupta I, Samudragupta, and Chandragupta II, highlighting their achievements and contributions to Indian history. It discusses the administrative structure, economy, education, and advancements in science and literature during the Gupta age, known as a 'golden age' in Indian history. The document emphasizes the cultural and intellectual progress made under the Gupta rulers, including notable figures such as Aryabhata and Kalidasa.

1. IMPORTANT KINGS
1. Chandragupta I
a) First important ruler of the Gupta dynasty
b ) He succeeded his father Ghatotkacha in c.319 CE.
c) Chandragupta married to Kumaradevi
d) His kingdom included areas of modern Bihar and
Bengal
e) He assumed the title of Maharajadhiraja
2. Samudragupta
a) Chandragupta I was succeeded by his son
Samdragupta in c.330 CE.
b) He is referred to as the “Napoleon of India’.
c) Most important sources of information on
Samudragupta’s reign is an inscription engraved -
on a stone pillar at Allahabad, known as Prayaga
Prasasti or Pillar Inscription.
d) it was written in Sanskrit by his court poet,
Harisena.
e) Samudraupta issued eight different types of coins
d) Though he followed Hindu religion, he was
tolerant towards other religions.
3. Chandragupta II
a) Chandragupta II or vikramaditya was one of the
most power full Kings of ancient India.
b) He ruled from c. 380-c. 415 CE
c) His greatest victory was over the Saka-Satraps, wit
the annexation of their Kingdom in Gujarat
d) Chandragupta II controlled a vast empire, which
extended from north Pakistan to the Narmada
Later Guptas
• Chandragupta II was succeeded
by Kumaragupta I
• Skandagupta, the letter’s
successor, is generally considered
the last of the great Gupta rulers.
• By the middle of 6th centaury CE,
the extent of the Gupta Empire
had decreased the last
RULE OF THE GUPTAS
• The Gupta Kings were able administrators and great
patrons of literature, art and architecture.
• The Gupta age is known as ‘a golden age ‘ in Indian
history.
Administration
• The Guptas had a strong central government
• The king was at the head of administrative system.
• The empire was divided into provinces.
• Provinces further subdivided into districts or vishayas
headed by vishayapatis.
• Members of the royal family were appointed as
governors of provinces and were assisted by officials
called kumaramatyas.
Economy
• Agriculture continued to be the main occupation
• There was significant progress in industry and trade
• One of the most important industry was textile
• Silk, muslin, calico, linen, wool and cotton were
produced in large quantities.
• Other important industries were pottery-making,
ivory work, stone- cutting, carving and metal works,
specially in gold, silver, copper and bronze
RISE OF THE GUPTAS
Most of the information about the Gupta dynasty
is derived from coins, inscriptions, monuments
and Kalidasa’s Sanskrit Classics.
Education
• The Gupta founded and patronised several
universities of higher learning
• Some of the universities were art Nalanda, Taxila,
Vallabhi, Ujjain and Sarnath
Religion
• The Gupta kings were worshippers of Lord Vishnu
• The concept of ten avataras of Vishnu evolved
during this period
The Gupta
Empire
• Aryabhata, a great mathematician and astronomer wrote the book
Aryabhatiya
• He calculated the value of “pi”
• He discussed the rotation and revolution of the Earth
• And he discussed the causes for lunar and solar eclipses
• Thee invention of the zero and decimal system gave the world a counting
system
Science
Development in Literature
• Sanskrit literature owes much to the Gupta rulers
• The greatest among the scholars was Kalidasa
• Panchatantra was complied by Vishnu Sharma
Art and Architecture
• The Dasavatra Temple at Degarh is fine example of Gupta architecture