The Gupta Empire is an ancient Indian empire that exists approximately from 320 to 550 CE and covered much of the Indian Subcontinent.
Founded by Maharaja Sri Gupta, the dynasty is the model of a classical civilization.
The peace and prosperity created under the leadership of the Guptas enables the pursuit of scientific and artistic endeavors.
This period is called the Golden Age of India and is marked by extensive inventions and discoveries in science, technology, engineering, art, dialectic, literature, logic, mathematics, astronomy, religion and philosophy that crystallize the elements of what is generally known as Hindu culture.
Chandra Gupta I, Samudra Gupta the Great, and Chandra Gupta II the Great are the most notable rulers of the Gupta dynasty.
The 4th century CE Sanskrit poet Kalidasa, credits the Guptas with having conquered about twenty-one kingdoms, both in and outside India, including the kingdoms of Parasikas (Persians), the Hunas, the Kambojas tribes located in the west and east Oxus valleys, the Kinnaras, Kiratas etc.
The high points of this cultural creativity are magnificent architecture, sculptures and paintings.
The Gupta period produces scholars such as Kalidasa, Aryabhata, Varahamihira, Vishnu Sharma and Vatsyayana who make great advancements in many academic fields.
Science and political administration reaches new heights during the Gupta era.
Strong trade ties also make the region an important cultural center and set the region up as a base that will influence nearby kingdoms and regions in Burma, Sri Lanka, Malay Archipelago and Indochina.
The earliest available Indian epics are also thought to have been written around this period.
The empire gradually declines because of many factors, such as the substantial loss of territory and imperial authority caused by their own erstwhile feudatories and the invasion by the Huna peoples from Central Asia.
After the collapse of the Gupta Empire in the 6th century, India is again ruled by numerous regional kingdoms.
A minor line of the Gupta clan continues to rule Magadha after the disintegration of the empire.
These Guptas are ultimately ousted by Vardhana ruler Harsha Vardhana, who establishes an empire in the first half of the 7th century.
