Chandragupta II's Conquest of the Saka Kshatrapas

The question asks to identify the Saka Kshatrapa king who was defeated by the Gupta emperor Chandragupta II. This significant event marked a major expansion of the Gupta Empire into western India.

Chandragupta II: A Powerful Gupta Emperor

Chandragupta II, also known as Chandragupta Vikramaditya, was one of the most powerful rulers of the Gupta Empire. He reigned from approximately 375 CE to 415 CE. His reign is considered a golden age in Indian history, characterized by significant political stability, economic prosperity, and flourishing arts and sciences. A key achievement of his reign was the successful campaign against the Western Satraps (Saka Kshatrapas) in western India.

The Western Satraps (Saka Kshatrapas)

The Western Satraps were a dynasty of rulers of Saka (Scythian) origin who ruled over the western and central parts of India from around 150 CE to 400 CE. They controlled territories in regions like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and parts of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. By the time of Chandragupta II, their power had declined, but they remained a significant regional power.

Chandragupta II's Victory

Chandragupta II launched a series of military campaigns to consolidate his empire and eliminate rival powers. His campaign against the Western Satraps was particularly important. Historical and numismatic evidence suggests that Chandragupta II ultimately defeated the last ruler of the Saka Kshatrapa dynasty.

The last known ruler of the Western Satraps was Rudrasimha III. Inscriptions and coins indicate that Chandragupta II conquered the region previously held by the Saka Kshatrapas, thereby ending their rule. This victory extended the Gupta dominion up to the Arabian Sea.

Therefore, the Saka Kshatrapa king defeated by Chandragupta II was Rudrasimha III.