Chandragupta I

Chandragupta I
Gupta Emperor
Queen Kumaradevi and King Chandragupta I, depicted on a coin of their son Samudragupta, 350–380 CE.
Reign	320–335 CE
Predecessor	Ghatotkacha (Gupta Ruler)
Successor	Samudragupta the Great
Consort	Kumaradevi
Wife	Queen Kumaradevi
Royal House	Gupta dynasty
Religious beliefs	Hinduism

Chandra Gupta was a major king in the Gupta Empire around 320 CE and is generally considered as the founder of the Gupta dynasty. As the ruler of the Gupta Empire, he is known for forging alliances with many powerful families in the Ganges region.

History

Early life

Chandra Gupta was son of Ghatotkacha to the throne of the ancestral Gupta kingdom. While his two ancestors were given the title of Maharaja (king), Chandragupta I is described in his inscriptions as Maharajadhiraj (king of kings) signifying a rise in the family fortunes. He gained control over many territories by conquests and favourable marriage alliances. He married a Lichchhavi princess to enhance his prestige.

After 500 years of invasion and turmoil after Ashoka’s death, a strong leader named Chandragupta took over. Chandragupta married a daughter of a royal influential family. After marrying, he earned the title of Great King of Kings. A series of gold coins issued by the king also testifies to his rising influence. The well known Gupta era which commenced on February 26, 320 AD is generally attributed to Chandragupta I. Hence it is surmised that the Gupta era began on the occasion of the coronation of Chandragupta I. According to the Puranas the Guptas ruled over territories (referred to as Janapadas) such as Prayag (Allahabad), Saket (Oudh) and Magadh (south Bihar). This description of the Gupta dominion precedes the reign of Samudragupta and hence must refer to the territories ruled over by Chandragupta I.

Srsidass, 1959

• R. C. Majumdar, Ancient India, 6th revised edition. Motilal Banarsidass,

Notes

Regnal titles
Preceded by Ghatotkacha as Gupta Ruler	Gupta Emperor 320–335	Succeeded by Samudragupta the Great