The Rulers of the Gupta Empire
The origin of the Imperial Gupta Dynasty is obscure. The name Gupta occurs in ancient Indian records, particularly the Sunga and Satavahana period. But, it not possible to connect them with the imperial Gupta Dynasty of the 4th century A.D.
The view of Prof. Jayaswal was that Guptas were Jats. But that view is not accepted at present. The Puranas tell us that the original Gupta territory comprised Magadha and regions along river Ganga extending up to North=west Bengal. However, there are certain writers who hold the opinion that Magadha was not the original home of the Guptas. It is also argued that Magadha might have been acquired by Maharaja Ghatokacha. But there is nothing to support this view.
Early Rulers
• Srigupta(240-280 A.D.): Srigupta was the founder of the Gupta dynasty. His kingdom must have comprised of a portion of Bengal. The title taken up by him was Maharaja.
• Ghatokacha(280-318 A.D.): Ghatokacha has been described in the Gupta records as the son and successor of Srigupta. However, at some places he has also been described as the first Gupta king. This view seems to be incorrect. Like Srigupta, Ghatokacha was also known as Maharaja.
• Chandragupta(319-335 A.D): Ghatokacha was succeeded by his successor Chandragupta I. He is described as Maharajadhiraja. We do not posses any details regarding his conquests. He married a Lichchavi princess, Kumardevi. A lot of importance is attached to this marriage because this led to the rise in the prominence of the Gupta dynasty. Chandragupta was raised by his Lichchavi connection from the rank of a local chief to such a dignity that he felt justified in assuming the title of Maharajadhiraja. He struck coins in the joint names of himself, his queen and the Lichchavis. His son and successor habitually described himself with pride as the son of the daughter of Lichchavis.
• It is clearly stated in the Allahabad pillar inscription that Samudragupta was selected for the throne by his father as he was the only worthy son. According to R.K Mukherjee Samudragupta ruled from about 335-380 A.D.
• Conquests: Samudragupta is famous for his conquests and that is why he has been given the title of the Indian Napoleon by historians. His conquests were in many directions and of various kinds. It is pointed out that so far as Aryavarata was concerned, he acted as a Digvijayi, but so far as Deccan is concerned, he acted as Dharmavijayi. Samudragupta conquered and liberated a number of kings of Deccan. As regards to his conquests in the north, Samudragupta ‘violently’ exterminated many of his Aryavartan neighbors.
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