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Old NCERT Summary (RS Sharma): Rise and Growth of the Gupta Empire | History for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Background

  • Satavahanas provided unity and stability to Deccan and South while Kushanas provided the same to North India. Both these empires came to an end in middle of 3rd century AD.
  • Kushanas were replaced by Guptas (Murundas in central India, followed by Guptas), who may’ve been Vaisya in origin. Guptas kept north India united for more than a century. Guptas operated from Madhyadesa comprising eastern UP and North Bihar; there were fertile plains, iron ores to exploit. Plus, proximity to areas in north which carried on trade with Eastern Roman (Byzantine) empire.

Chandragupta I

  • Chandragupta I started Gupta era in 319 AD.
  • Made matrimonial alliance with Nepal.

Samudragupta

  • Followed by Samudragupta, who delighted in conquest and violence.
  • Allahabad pillar of Ashoka also contains inscriptions of Harisena, Samudragupta’s court poet, praising the military exploits of his patron.
  • Samudragupta subdued princes of Ganga-Yamuna doab, eastern Himalayan states and frontier states, republics of Punjab, forest kingdoms of Vindhyas (atavika rajyas), eastern Deccan and South India as far as Kanchi (TN) and Sakas and Kushan territories in NW and Afg. So, called Napoleon of India.

Chandragupta II

  • Chandragupta II expanded kingdom further.
  • Married daughter to Vakataka prince who died → indirect control over Vakataka → conquered Malwa and Gujarat → gained western coast and Ujjain, which was made second capital.
  • Iron pillar at Qutub Minar Delhi is attributed to him.
  • Adopted title “Vikramaditya”.
  • Court adorned with great minds like Kalidas and Amarsimha.
  • Fa-Hsien visited India during his reign.

The fall of Empire

  • Gupta empire undermined Huna by invasion from NW.
  • They reached till Malwa and overthrew Guptas.
  • Malwa prince Yashodharman resisted Hunas and Guptas.
  • Gupta empire was further undermined by rise of feudatories.
  • Loss of trade revenue from west coast = loss of gold = decline. Granting of land grants to army chiefs and officers = reduction of state revenue = decline.
  • By 6th century, independent princes issued land grants in northern MP and several other regions proclaimed independence.
The document Old NCERT Summary (RS Sharma): Rise and Growth of the Gupta Empire | History for UPSC CSE is a part of the UPSC Course History for UPSC CSE.
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FAQs on Old NCERT Summary (RS Sharma): Rise and Growth of the Gupta Empire - History for UPSC CSE

1. Who were the key rulers of the Gupta Empire?
Ans. The key rulers of the Gupta Empire were Chandragupta I, Samudragupta, and Chandragupta II.
2. What was the significance of Chandragupta I in the history of the Gupta Empire?
Ans. Chandragupta I was the founder of the Gupta Empire and laid the foundation for its growth and expansion.
3. How did Samudragupta contribute to the growth of the Gupta Empire?
Ans. Samudragupta was known for his military conquests and expansion of the Gupta Empire's territory through his successful campaigns.
4. What was the rule of Chandragupta II known for in the history of the Gupta Empire?
Ans. Chandragupta II's rule was known as the "Golden Age" of the Gupta Empire, marked by prosperity, cultural achievements, and advancements in various fields.
5. What led to the eventual fall of the Gupta Empire?
Ans. The Gupta Empire declined due to factors such as invasions by the Huns, internal conflicts, economic instability, and weakening of central authority.
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