Gupta Empire

The Gupta Empire Begins

320

The Gupta Empire begins and Chandragupta I takes the throne. As soon as Chandragupta I established himself as the first ruler of the empire, he started a rapid expansion of the Gupta Empire. The start of the Gupta Empire is known as the "golden age" because there were great advancements in art, literature, philosophy, astronomy, mathematics, science, architecture, and religion.

Samudragupta Comes to Throne

335

Samudragupta, Chandragupta I's son, comes to the throne. Samudragupta was significant, because he was a military genius and under his rule, the Gupta empire continued to prosper and grow.

Samudragupta Introduces Gold Coins

365

Samudragupta introduces gold coins to the Gupta empire and this was very good for the economy. The introduction of gold coins was very significant, because the gold coins were seen as a currency and money to be used for trade and domestic affairs. Trade and commerce flourished, both within and outside the empire with the aid of the gold coins.

Chandragupta II Succeeds as the Gupta Ruler

380

Chandragpta II succeeds as the Gupta ruler and successfully begins a campaign to expand the empire westward. Chandragupta II's reign is significant, because it is remembered primarily for the advancements in art, literature, and science and the expansion of the epire westward.

Rudrasimha III is Defeated

395

Rudrasimha III, Chadragupta II's main opponent, is defeated, which destroys his main opposition. Afterwards, under Chandragupta II's rule, the empire's control extendeds from coast to coast of the Indian subcontinent. This event was significant, because it marked the high point of the empire.sgnificant, becaueit markd the cant, beause e

Abhijñānaśākuntalam is Written

400

Abhijñānaśākuntalam, a well-known sanskrit play by Kālidāsa, is written. This sanskrit play, dramatizes the story of Shakuntala, told in the epic Mahabharata. The Abhijñānaśākuntalam is significant to the Gupta empire and modern day, because it is considered to be the best of Kālidāsa's works and India's best literary work.

Kumaragupta I succeeds as the Gupta ruler

415

Kumaragupta I succeeds as the Gupta ruler. Kumaragupta I's reign was significant, because under his rule the empire was stable, even though he didn't conquer or conquest other empires.

Huns invade the Gupta Empire

450

The Huns invade the Gupta empire. The invasion of the Huns is significant, because this major event was the start of the slow downfall and debilitation of the Gupta empire and its society.

Skandagupta Comes to Power

455

Skandagupta comes to power and quickly crushes the Hun invasions and defeats them. Although Skandagupta defeated the Huns, the Gupta empire's resources start to drain.
This event is significant, because it contributes to the empires decline.

Purugupta Succeeds as Gupta Ruler

467

Purugupta succeeds as the Gupta ruler after the death of his brother, Skandagupta. Purugupta succeeding as the Gupta ruler significant, because he is the start of a line of weak rulers, who are threatened and attacked by outside forces, which results in much of the empire being overrun by the Huns.

The Ajanta Caves were Built

480

The Ajanta Caves, located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra state of India, were 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave paintings that were a pinnacle representation of the Gupta Empire's advancements in technology, engineering, art, architecture, and religion. The paintings and sculptures of Ajanta are significant, because they are considered masterpieces of Buddhist religious art and have a considerable artistic influence on modern day art and architecture.

Aryabhatta Calculates Pi and Predicts Eclipses

499

Aryabhatta, the greatest mathematician, astronomer, and inventor of the Gupta period, calculates pi, uses algebra, predicts eclipses, and predicts that the Earth rotates on its axis. This is significant, because the findings of Aryabhatta are influencial and are the basis of modern day facts.

The Dashavatara Temple in Deogarh is Built

500

The Dashavatara Temple, also known as the Vishnu Anantasayana Panel, are a collection of many images and adorning sculptures from Hindu mythology. The Dashavatara Temple is a signicant part of the Gupta period's reign, because it is a famous representation of the ornate Gupta style of Hindu architecture that still stands to this day.

Huns Final Invasion of the Gupta Empire

540

The final invasion of the Huns is significant, because it leads to the rapid decline of the Gupta Empire.

The Gupta Empire Ends

550

After an influencial and great reign of approximately 230 years, the Gupta Empire falls and ends.