Chandragupta II, also known as Vikramaditya, is regarded as one of the greatest rulers of the Gupta dynasty. Chandragupta II was the son of Samudragupta and Datta Devi. According to historical records, Chandragupta II was a strong, vigorous ruler who was well qualified to govern and expand the Gupta Empire. He ruled the Gupta Empire from 380 to 412 C.E., during the Golden Age of India. Based on coins and a supia pillar inscription, it is believed that Chandragupta II adopted the title 'Vikramaditya.' In this article, we will discuss Chandragupta II (380-412 AD) of Gupta Dynasty which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

Chandragupta II - Features

• Chandragupta II (c. 380 – c. 412 CE), also known as Vikramaditya and Chandragupta Vikramaditya, was the third ruler of India's Gupta Empire and one of the dynasty's most powerful emperors.
• Chandragupta carried on his father's expansionist policy, primarily through military conquest.
• He defeated the Western Kshatrapas and expanded the Gupta Empire from the Indus River in the west to the Bengal region in the east, and from the Himalayan foothills in the north to the Narmada River in the south, according to historical evidence.
• Prabhavatigupta, his daughter, was queen of the southern Vakataka kingdom, and he may have had influence in the Vakataka territory during her regency.
• During Chandragupta's reign, the Gupta Empire reached its pinnacle. According to the Chinese pilgrim Faxian(Fa-Hien), who visited India during his reign, he ruled over a peaceful and prosperous kingdom.
• The legendary Vikramaditya is most likely based on Chandragupta II (among other kings), and the noted Sanskrit poet Kalidasa may have served as his court poet.

Chandragupta - Names and Titles

• Chandragupta II was the dynasty's second ruler to bear the name "Chandragupta," following his grandfather Chandragupta I. As evidenced by his coins, he was also known simply as "Chandra."
• According to his officer Amrakardava's Sanchi inscription, he was also known as Deva-raja. His daughter Prabhavatigupta's records, issued as a Vakataka queen, refer to him as Chandragupta as well as Deva-gupta.
• Another spelling of this name is Deva-shri. According to the inscription on the Delhi iron pillar, King Chandra was also known as "Dhava."
• Chandragupta was given the titles Bhattaraka and Maharajadhiraja, as well as the moniker Apratiratha ("having no equal or antagonist").
• The Supiya stone pillar inscription, which was commissioned during the reign of his descendant Skandagupta, also refers to him as "Vikramaditya."

Chandragupta II - Background

• According to his own inscriptions, Chandragupta was the son of Samudragupta and queen Dattadevi.
• Chandragupta succeeded his father on the Gupta throne, according to the official Gupta genealogy. The Sanskrit play Devichandraguptam, along with other evidence, suggests that he had an elder brother named Ramagupta who ascended to the throne before him.
• When Ramagupta is besieged, he decides to surrender his queen Dhruvadevi to a Shaka enemy, but Chandragupta disguises himself as the queen and kills the enemy.
• Later, Chandragupta dethrones Ramagupta and ascends to the throne.
• Modern historians debate the historicity of this narrative, with some believing it is based on true historical events and others dismissing it as a work of fiction.

Chandragupta II - Military Career

• The Udayagiri inscription of Chandragupta's foreign minister Virasena suggests that the king had a distinguished military career. It is stated that he "bought the earth," paying for it with his prowess, and reduced the other kings to the status of slaves.
• His empire appears to have stretched from the mouth of the Indus and northern Pakistan in the west to the Bengal region in the east, and from the Himalayan terai region in the north to the Narmada River in the south.
• The Ashvamedha horse sacrifice was performed by Chandragupta's father, Samudragupta, and his son, Kumaragupta I, to demonstrate their military prowess.
• The discovery of a stone image of a horse near Varanasi in the twentieth century, and the misreading of its inscription as "Chandramgu" (taken to be "Chandragupta"), led to speculation that Chandragupta also performed the Ashvamedha sacrifice. However, no actual evidence exists to support this theory.

Chandragupta II - Conquests

Western Kshatrapas

• According to historical and literary evidence, Chandragupta II had military victories against the Western Kshatrapas (also known as Shakas), who ruled in west-central India.
• The "Shaka-Murundas" are mentioned among the kings who tried to appease Chandragupta's father Samudragupta in the Allahabad Pillar inscription.
• Samudragupta may have reduced the Shakas to a subordinate alliance, and Chandragupta completely subjugated them.
• The Western Kshatrapas was the only significant power to rule in this region during Chandragupta's reign, as evidenced by their distinct coinage. The Western Kshatrapa rulers' coinage abruptly came to an end in the last decade of the fourth century.
• This type of coin reappears in the second decade of the fifth century and is dated in the Gupta era, implying that Chandragupta subjugated the Western Kshatrapas.

Punjab

• Chandragupta appears to have marched through the Punjab region and up to the Vahlikas' country, Balkh in modern-day Afghanistan.
• Some short Sanskrit inscriptions in Gupta script at the Sacred Rock of Hunza (in modern-day Pakistan) mention the name Chandra.
• Several of these inscriptions mention the name Harishena, and one mentions Chandra with the epithet "Vikramaditya." Based on the identification of "Chandra" with Chandragupta and Harishena with Gupta courtier Harishena, these inscriptions can be regarded as additional evidence of a Gupta military campaign in the area.
• This identification, however, is not certain, and Chandra of the Hunza inscriptions could have been a local ruler.
• The phrase "seven faces" mentioned in the iron pillar inscription refers to Indus' seven mouths. The term is thought to refer to the Indus tributaries: the five rivers of Punjab (Jhelum, Ravi, Sutlej, Beas, and Chenab), as well as the Kabul and Kunar rivers.
• It is quite possible that Chandragupta passed through the Punjab region during this campaign: the use of the Gupta era in an inscription found at Shorkot, as well as some coins bearing the name "Chandragupta," attest to his political influence in this region.

Bengal

• The identification of Chandra with Chandragupta II also implies that Chandragupta won victories in the Vanga region of modern-day Bengal.
• According to his father Samudragupta's Allahabad Pillar inscription, the Samatata kingdom of the Bengal region was a Gupta tributary.
• The Guptas are known to have ruled Bengal in the early sixth century CE, but there are no records of their presence in this region during the intervening period.
• It is possible that Chandragupta annexed a large portion of the Bengal region to the Gupta empire, and that this control lasted into the sixth century.
• According to the inscription on the Delhi iron pillar, an alliance of semi-independent Bengal chiefs unsuccessfully resisted Chandragupta's attempts to extend Gupta influence in this region.

Chandragupta II - Matrimonial Alliance

• According to Gupta records, Dhruvadevi was Chandragupta's queen and the mother of his successor Kumaragupta I. Dhruva-svamini is mentioned on the Basarh clay seal as a Chandragupta queen and the mother of Govindagupta.
• It appears that Dhruvasvamini was most likely another name for Dhruvadevi, and that Govindagupta was Kumaragupta's uterine brother.
• Chandragupta also married Kuvera-naga (alias Kuberanaga), whose name indicates that she was a princess of the Naga dynasty, which held considerable power in central India before Samudragupta subjugated them.
• This matrimonial alliance may have aided Chandragupta in consolidating the Gupta empire, and the Nagas may have aided him in his war against the Western Kshatrapas.

Chandragupta II - Mehrauli Iron Pillar

• Close to the Qutub Minar stands one of Delhi's most unusual structures, an iron pillar with an inscription declaring that the pillar was created by artisans in the fourth century C.E. in honour of Hindu God Vishnu and in memory of Chandragupta II.
• The Mehrauli Iron Pillar was originally located on a hill near Beas, and it was brought to Delhi by Radhakumud Mookerji, a king of the Gupta Empire. This pillar attributes the following to Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya):
  • Conquest of the Vanga countries when he fought alone against an enemy alliance.
  • Valakas was defeated in a battle that spanned Sindhu's seven mouths.
  • Spread Chandragupta II's fame to the southern seas.
  • He attained Ekadhirajjyam through the prowess of his arms .
  • He named the Mehrauli Iron Pillar Vishnupasa in honour of the Hindu God Vishnu.

Chandragupta II - Sanchi Inscription

• The Chandragupta II Sanchi inscription is an epigraphic record that documents a donation to the Buddhist establishment at Sanchi during the reign of King Chandragupta II.
• It is from the Gupta era and dates from the year 93.
• Sanchi is located in Madhya Pradesh's Raisen District.
• The inscription is located on the railing of the main stupa, immediately to the left of the eastern gate.

Chandragupta II - Administration

Several feudatories of Chandragupta are known from historical records:

• Maharaja Sanakanika, a feudatory whose construction of a Vaishnava temple is recorded in the Udayagiri inscription.
• Maharaja Trikamala, a feudatory known from a Gaya inscription engraved on a Bodhisattva image.
• Maharaja Shri Vishvamitra Svami, a feudaotry known from a seal discovered in Vidisha.
• Maharaja Svamidasa, the ruler of Valkha, was also most likely a Gupta feudatory; is dated in the Kalachuri calendar era.

Various historical records identify the following Chandragupta ministers and officers:

• Vira-Sena, Foreign minister is known from the Udayagiri inscription, which records his construction of a Shiva temple.
• Amrakardava, a military officer, is remembered in the Sanchi inscription for his contributions to the local Buddhist monastery.
• Shikhara-svami was a minister who wrote the political treatise Kamandakiya Niti.

Chandragupta II - Navratnas

Chandragupta II was known for his deep interest in art and culture, and his court was adorned with nine gems known as Navratna. The diverse fields of these 9 gems demonstrate Chandragupta's patronage of the arts and literature. The following is a brief description of the nine Ratnas:

• Amarsimha: Amarsimha was a Sanskrit poet and lexicographer, and his Amarkosha is a vocabulary of Sanskrit roots, homonyms, and synonyms. It is also known as Trikanda because it is divided into three sections: Kanda 1, Kanda 2, and Kanda 3. It contains ten thousand words.
• Dhanvantri: Dhanvantri was an excellent physician.
• Harisena: Harisena is credited with writing the Prayag Prasasti, or Allahabad Pillar Inscription. The title of Kavya's inscription, but it contains both prose and verse. The entire poem is in one sentence, including the first eight stanzas of poetry, a long sentence, and a concluding stanza. In his old age, Harisena was in the court of Chandragupta and describes him as Noble, asking him, "You Protect all this earth."
• Kalidasa: Kalidasa is India's immortal poet and playwright, and a peerless genius whose works have become famous throughout the world in the modern era. The translation of Kalidasa's works into numerous Indian and foreign languages has spread his fame throughout the world, and he now ranks among the top poets of all time. Rabindranath Tagore not only popularised Kalidasa's works but also elaborated on their meanings and philosophy, making him an immortal poet and dramatist.
• Kahapanaka: Kahapanka was an astrologer. There aren't many details available about him.
• Sanku: Sanku worked in architecture.
• Varahamihira: Varahamihira (d. 587) was a Ujjain resident who wrote three important books: Panchasiddhantika, Brihat Samhita, and Brihat Jataka. The Surya Siddhanta is included in the Panchasiddhantaka, which is a summary of five early astronomical systems. Another system he describes, the Paitamaha Siddhanta, appears to share many similarities with Lagadha's ancient Vedanga Jyotisha. Brihat Samhita is a collection of topics that provide interesting details about the beliefs of the time. Brihat Jataka is an astrology book that appears to be heavily influenced by Greek astrology.
• Vararuchi: Vararuchi is the name of another gem of Chandragupta Vikramaditya, a grammarian and Sanskrit scholar. Some historians have linked him to Katyayana. Vararuchi is credited with writing the first Grammar of the Prakrit language, Prakrit Prakasha.
• Vetalbhatta: Vetalbhatta was a magician.

Chandragupta II - Religion

• Many of Chandragupta's gold and silver coins, as well as the inscriptions issued by him and his successors, describe him as a parama-bhagvata, or devotee of the god Vishnu.
• One of his gold coins, discovered at Bayana, refers to him as chakra-vikramah, which translates as "[one who is] powerful [due to his possession of the] discus," and depicts him receiving a discus from Vishnu.
• In the year 82 of the Gupta era, Chandragupta's feudatory Maharaja Sanakanika built a Vaishnava cave temple, according to an Udayagiri inscription.
• Chandragupta was also accepting of other religions. The Udayagiri inscription of Chandragupta's foreign minister Virasena records the construction of a temple dedicated to the god Shambhu (Shiva).
• In the year 93 of the Gupta era(c. 412-413 CE), his military officer Amrakardava made donations to the local Buddhist monastery, according to an inscription discovered near Udayagiri .

Chandragupta II - Coinage

• Most of the gold coin types introduced by his father Samudragupta were continued by Chandragupta, including the Sceptre type, the Archer type, and the Tiger-Slayer type.
• However, Chandragupta II also introduced several new types, including the Horseman and Lion-slayer types, which were used by his son Kumaragupta I.
• Chandragupta's gold coins depict his martial spirit as well as his peacetime pursuits.

Chandragupta II - Fa-Hien’s Visit

• Pataliputra was largely ignored by warrior kings such as Samudragupta and Vikramaditya, but it remained a magnificent and populous city throughout Chandragupta II's reign.
• Patliputra was later reduced to reigns following the Hun invasions in the sixth century. Shershah Suri, on the other hand, rebuilt and revitalized Pataliputra as today's Patna.
• Fa Hien's accounts provide a contemporary account of Chandragupta Vikramaditya's administration. Fa Hien (337 – ca. 422 AD) was so engrossed in his search for Buddhist books, legends, and miracles that he couldn't recall the name of the mighty monarch under whose rule he had lived for 6 years.
• He saw and was impressed by Asoka's palace at Pataliputra, so it is certain that Asoka's palace existed even during the Gupta era. He also mentions a stupa and two monasteries nearby, both of which are attributed to Asoka.
• He mentioned 600-700 monks living there and receiving lectures from teachers from all over. He mentions that the towns of Magadha were the largest in the area of the Gangetic Plains, which he refers to as central India.
• Fa Hien goes on to say that the people of the western part (Malwa) were content and unconcerned. He mentions that they are not required to register their household or appear before a magistrate. People did not lock their doors. The passports, and those who wanted to stay or go, did not bind them.
• Fa Hien goes on to say that no one kills living things, drinks wine, or eats onion or garlic. There are no pigs or fowls, no cattle trading, and no butchers. All of this was done by Chandals alone.
• Fa Hien studied Sanskrit without interruption for three years at Pataliputra and two years at the Port of Tamralipti. The roads were clear and safe for the passengers to travel on.
• The accounts of Fa Hien show that India was probably never better governed than during the reign of Chandragupta Vikramaditya.
• The account of Fa-Hien and his unobstructed itinerary all around gives details about the Golden Era of Mother India, attesting to the prosperity of the Indians and the tranquillity of the empire.

Conclusion

Chandragupta II, a powerful and energetic ruler, was well-suited to rule over a vast empire. Kumaragupta I, also known as Mahedraditya, succeeded Chandragupta II. His reign lasted 40 years and was assigned to him during the years 415-455 AD. He was a capable ruler, and there is no doubt that his empire grew rather than shrank.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Which territory was annexed by Chandragupta II after defeating the Western Kshatrapas?

A. Bengal
B. Gujarat
C. Odisha
D. Kerala

2. Who among the following was a famous scholar in the court of Chandragupta II?

A. Aryabhata
B. Kalidasa
C. Banabhatta
D. Varahamihira

3. Chandragupta II was also known by which title?

A. Samudragupta
B. Vikramaditya
C. Skandagupta
D. Chandragupta Maurya

4. Which dynasty did Chandragupta II defeat to expand the Gupta Empire in western India?

A. Maurya
B. Chalukya
C. Saka
D. Rashtrakuta

5. What was the main source of economic prosperity during Chandragupta II’s reign?

A. Agriculture
B. Maritime trade
C. Mining
D. Taxation

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the military and cultural achievements of Chandragupta II and their impact on the Gupta Empire.

Answer: Chandragupta II expanded the Gupta Empire through his military conquests, most notably by defeating the Western Kshatrapas and annexing Gujarat, Malwa, and parts of Maharashtra. These conquests not only consolidated Gupta rule in western India but also secured vital trade routes. Culturally, his reign is considered the golden period of ancient India, with significant contributions to literature, art, and architecture. Scholars like Kalidasa flourished during his reign, and advancements in science and mathematics were made. These achievements contributed to the political stability and cultural prosperity of the Gupta Empire.

Q2: Examine the role of Chandragupta II in promoting trade and economic growth during his reign.

Answer: Chandragupta II played a crucial role in promoting trade and economic growth during his reign. His military conquests secured important trade routes in western India, while strategic alliances with neighboring kingdoms ensured peaceful commercial exchanges. Ports along the western coast became hubs of maritime trade, connecting India with Southeast Asia, the Roman Empire, and Central Asia. The wealth generated from trade enabled investments in art, architecture, and public welfare, contributing to the prosperity of the Gupta Empire.

Q3: Analyze the administrative structure under Chandragupta II and how it contributed to the stability of the Gupta Empire.

Answer: Chandragupta II maintained a decentralized administrative structure, similar to his predecessors, which contributed to the stability and efficient governance of the Gupta Empire. The empire was divided into provinces, each governed by local officials who were overseen by the central authority. This system allowed for flexibility in governance and efficient collection of taxes. The administrative reforms introduced during his reign helped maintain political stability, encouraged economic growth, and supported the flourishing of art and culture.

Previous Year Questions on Chandragupta II

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2020

Question: Who among the following was the famous poet in the court of Chandragupta II?
A. Bhasa
B. Kalidasa
C. Bhavabhuti
D. Magha

Answer: B

Explanation: Kalidasa, one of the greatest Sanskrit poets and dramatists, was a prominent scholar in the court of Chandragupta II.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2018 (GS Paper 1)

Question: Discuss the cultural and scientific achievements of the Gupta period, with reference to Chandragupta II’s reign.

Explanation: The Gupta period, especially during the reign of Chandragupta II, is often referred to as the Golden Age of Indian history due to the remarkable achievements in culture, art, literature, and science. Chandragupta II’s court attracted scholars like Kalidasa, whose works in Sanskrit literature are considered masterpieces. The period also witnessed advancements in astronomy and mathematics, with scholars like Aryabhata making significant contributions. The construction of temples and the development of sculpture flourished, with the Gupta style of architecture influencing future generations.