The Gupta Empire lasted about 230 years (c. 319–543 CE) and was characterized by a sophisticated culture with innovative advances in literature, arts, and sciences.

The Gupta Empire was India's Golden Age. The empires’ founder, Sri Gupta, came from the Vaishya or farmer caste. He founded the new dynasty in reaction to abuses by previous princely rulers. The Gupta followed the god Vishnu (the "Supreme Being of Truth"), and they ruled as traditional Hindu monarchs.

Chandragupta used a combination of military might and marriage alliances to expand the Gupta Empire, reuniting much of the Indian subcontinent. The Empire was part of an international trade network. Gupta law was generous, and crimes were punished only with fines. There were advances in science, painting, textiles, architecture, and literature. The surviving Gupta architecture includes palaces and both Hindu and Buddhist temples. New forms of music and dance, some of which are still performed today, flourished under Gupta patronage. The emperors also founded free hospitals, monasteries, and universities.

The classical Sanskrit language flourished during this period and sacred texts were recorded. Scientific and mathematical advances include the invention of the number zero, and accurate calculations of pi and the length of the solar year.

Chandragupta's son, Samudragupta, was a talented poet and musician. His successor was Ramagupta, an ineffectual ruler, who was soon assassinated by his brother. Chandragupta II expanded the empire to its greatest extent.

Kumaragupta I succeeded his father in 415 and ruled for 40 years. His son, Skandagupta (r. 455–467 CE), is considered the last of the great Gupta rulers. During his reign, the Gupta Empire faced incursions by the Huns. The last recognized emperor of the Gupta Empire was Vishnugupta. By 500 CE, many regional princes were declaring their independence and refusing to pay taxes to the central Gupta state. The government had trouble funding its complex bureaucracy. The Huns invaded and some Indian princes voluntarily submitted to Hun rule. This branch of the Huns adopted Hinduism and was assimilated into Indian society.

Although none of the invading groups completely overran the Gupta Empire, the financial strain of the battles led to the dynasty’s end.

Source: The Gupta Empire: India's Golden Age
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