Which period has been described as the Golden Age of Indian history?

Correct option is D

​The correct answer is (d) Gupta period

Explanation:

• The Gupta period (approximately 320–550 CE) is often referred to as the Golden Age of Indian History.
• This period saw significant advancements in art, science, literature, philosophy, and politics.
• The Gupta Empire, under rulers like Chandragupta I, Samudragupta, and Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya), brought about a flourishing of culture and prosperity.

Information Booster:

Key Rulers of the Gupta Empire

1. Chandragupta I (320–335 CE)
• Founded the Gupta Empire in 319–320 CE.
• Strengthened his position through a matrimonial alliance with the Lichchhavis of Nepal.
• Expanded the kingdom from the Ganges to Prayag (modern-day Allahabad).
• Capital: Pataliputra.
• Issued coins bearing his and his queen's names.
2. Samudragupta (c. 335/336–375 CE)
• Known for his military conquests and expansionist policies.
• The Allahabad Pillar Inscription describes his victories and achievements, written in Sanskrit by poet Harisena.
• Extended Gupta control over much of the Indian subcontinent, from Punjab and Nepal to the Pallava kingdom in Kanchipuram.
• His coins depicted themes of the Ashvamedha (horse sacrifice).
• Title: Kaviraja ("king among poets").
3. Chandragupta II (c. 376–413/415 CE)
• Extended his empire through marriage alliances, including with the Vakataka dynasty in the Deccan.
• Conquered Malwa and Gujarat from the Shakas.
• His kingdom included northwestern India and Bengal.
• Title: Simhavikrama and Vikramaditya, signifying strength and power.
• Established a renowned court with Navratnas (Nine Gems):
• Kalidasa – Author of Abhijnashakuntalam and Meghdootam.
• Varahamihira – Author of Pancha Siddhantika and Brihat Jataka.
• Amarasimha – Author of Amarakosha.
• Dhanvantri – Physician of Ayurveda.
• Vetala Bhatta – Author of Mantrashastra.
• Vararuchi – Author of Prakrit Prakasha.
• Kahapanaka – Author of Jyotishya Shastra.
• Shanku – Author of Shilpa Shastra.
• Ghatakarapara – Expert in sculpture and architecture.
4. Kumaragupta I (c. 415–455 CE)
• Titles: Shakraditya and Mahendraditya.
• Performed Ashvamedha sacrifices.
• Founded Nalanda University, a prestigious institution of learning.
• Important inscriptions: Karandanda, Mandsor Bilsad, and Damodar Copper Plate.
5. Skandagupta (c. 455–467 CE)
• Adopted the title Vikramaditya.
• Known for the repair of Sudarshan Lake, as mentioned in an inscription at Junagarh/Girnar.
• Faced invasions from the Huns after his reign, leading to the gradual decline of the Gupta Empire.

Although Skandagupta also adopted the title Vikramaditya, as seen on some of his silver coins, this title is mainly associated with Chandragupta II in historical tradition. Chandragupta II is remembered as the legendary Vikramaditya of the Navratnas, while Skandagupta is more commonly identified with the title Kramaditya.​