The Gupta Empire, existed from about 240 CE to 543 CE. Sri Gupta founded the Empire (240-280 CE), and was succeeded by his son, Ghatotkacha (280-319 CE). The Empire although lasted for about 230 years, was characterized by a sophisticated culture, advances in literature, arts and sciences and beautiful golden coins issued, is referred to as "India's Golden Age".
The Banyan Hoard of Gupta Coins. In February 1946, Maharaja Brijendra Singh of Bharatpur, a descendent of Raja Surajmal was hunting in the villages of Nagla Chela. After the hunt, three village children while searching for empty cartridges, discovered a copper pot buried under the field. The pot contained more than 2000 Gupta era gold coins and created a sensation in the world of numismatics. What they found is now the famous "Banyan Hoard", the largest known treasure of ancient Indian gold coins ever found, undiscovered for 1500 years. There have been however, 17 such discoveries in the last 200 years, the latest in 2013 during the highway construction in Murshidabad, West Bengal.
Chandragupta I was the first Gupta king to issue gold coins. Designs were influenced by the coins of the earlier Kushan Empire. He also issued other designs including the "Archer Type" and the "Garuda Type".
Samudragupta succeeded Chandragupta I around 335 or 350 CE and ruled until 375 CE. Starting from a small kingdom in Magadha (modern Bihar), the Gupta Empire grew rapidly under the leadership of Chandragupta I and Samudragupta. By the time of Chandragupta II in the late 4th century, the empire included all of northern India from the Indus to the Brahmaputra and even extended south along the east coast. The Allahabad Pillar inscriptions credit him with extensive conquests. He controlled a large part of the Indo-Gangetic Plain in present day India, as well as a substantial part of central India.
The Gupta period is considered the "Golden Age" of classical India. This was the time that Nalanda and Taxila Universities flourished, great writers like Kalidas and scientists and mathematician Aryabhatta, who is credited with the concept of 'zero' contributed. Gupta art is considered as the high point of classical Indian art, and the coinage is regarded as amongst the best in ancient India.
Chandragupta II (375-415 CE). Samudragupta nominated prince Chandragupta II, as his successor. He expanded his realm westwards, defeating the Saka Western Kshatrapas of Malwa, Gujarat and Saurashtra. His reign can be remembered for its very influential style of art, literature, culture and science. The court of Chandragupta was made illustrious as it was graced by the Navratna (Nine Jewels), a group of nine who excelled in literary art. Amongst these men was Kalidas.
Kumaragupta I was Chandragupta II's second son. He ruled until 455 CE. Towards the end of his reign a tribe in the Narmada valley, the Pushyamitras, rose in power to threaten his empire.
He was the founder of the Nalanda University.
Skandagupta, son and successor of Kumaragupta I is generally considered to be the last of the great Gupta rulers. He defeated the Pushyamitra threat, faced the invading Kidarites (White Huns), from the northwest. The continuous war effort during his reign drained the empire's resources and contributed to its decline. The "Bhitari Pillar" inscriptions of Skandagupta, recalls the near annihilation of the Gupta Empire following the attacks of the Kidarites. He died in 467 CE and was succeeded by his brother Purugupta. Of the seven types of gold coins issued by him, three namely Standard, Archer and Ashvamedha are known to be from Bengal discovered in Bangladesh, Midnapore, Burdwan, Hugli and 24 Parganas
Following Skandagupta's death, the empire was in a state of decline.
Purugupta (467-469 CE). He is known from the Bhitari silver copper seal of his grandson and Nalanda clay seals of his sons.
Kumaragupta II (473-476 CE). Nalanda clay seal of Vishnugupta states that Vishnugupta was son of Kumaragupta II and grandson of Purugupta
Budhagupta (476-495 CE) was another son of Purugupta, and may have come to power by deposing his brother. He fought against the invading Huns. He issued rare Archer type gold (eight examples known) and portrait silver coins
Narasimhagupta (495-530 CE). He too may have been yet another son of Purugupta.
Kumaragupta III (530-540 CE). He was the son of Narsimhagupta. He ruled a disintegrated empire. His gold coins are heavily debased.
Vishnugupta (540-550 CE) was a son of Kumaragupta III was probably the last ruler of the Gupta empire, although a number of small successor states continued to be issued for another century
Two lesser known kings, Vainyagupta and Bhanugupta.
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Fascinating! Waiting for your sequel on other coins and artefacts of this Golden chapter in our history
ReplyDeleteBlog Fantastico. You write really well General Sab. And your research is meticulous. Our inheritance is immense and more so the golden period as in the Gupta period reveals such a richness of wealth , knowledge n innovation in Bharat. The coins are Just too beautiful here each being a piece of Art extraordinaire. Thanks and look forward to reading more...Yes that pot of coins found in murshidabad are a treasure and many more reveal such an abundance that Our country was.
ReplyDeleteRegards
Alpana