Who succeeded Chandragupta I as the ruler of the Gupta Empire?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (D) Samudragupta.

Explanation:

• Chandragupta I (320 – 335 CE):
• Chandragupta I laid the foundation of the Gupta Empire in 319-320 CE. He strengthened his authority through a matrimonial alliance with the Lichchhavis of Nepal and expanded his kingdom from the Ganges River to Prayag (modern-day Allahabad) through conquest.
• His capital was Pataliputra, and he minted coins bearing his and his queen’s names.
• Samudragupta (c. 335/336 – 375 CE):
• Samudragupta was a military genius, who followed a policy of warfare and conquest.
• His reign saw the expansion of the Gupta Empire over a significant part of the Indian subcontinent, including Punjab, Nepal, and the Pallava kingdom in Kanchipuram.
• The Allahabad Pillar Inscription (Prayaga-Prashasti), written by his court poet Harisena, gives a detailed account of his military campaigns and conquests.
• He is also known for being a poet and held the title Kaviraja ("king among poets").
• Samudragupta is considered one of the greatest rulers in Indian history due to his expansion and patronage of culture.
• Chandragupta II (c. 376 – 413/415 CE):
• Chandragupta II, also known as Vikramaditya, expanded the empire further and is known for defeating the Shakas in the western Malwa and Gujarat regions.
• He had a golden age of culture, and his court had the famous Navratnas (nine gems), including Kalidasa, Varahamihira, Amarasimha, Dhanvantri, and others. This period is marked by advancements in literature, science, and art.

Information Booster:

• Samudragupta's Achievements:
• The Allahabad Pillar Inscription records his military conquests, including victories over Shakas, Kushanas, and the Vakatakas.
• Samudragupta is often called the "Indian Napoleon" due to his successful military campaigns.
• His reign is considered the peak of the Gupta Empire, which lasted until Chandragupta II.
• Gupta Empire Culture:
• The Gupta period is considered the Golden Age of India due to significant achievements in literature, science, and art.
• Kalidasa wrote Shakuntala, Meghaduta, and other classics during this period, while Aryabhata made significant contributions to mathematics and astronomy.