An 8 cm gold coin featuring Chandragupta II (r. c. 375 or 380 – c. 415 CE) astride a caparisoned horse with a bow in his left hand Chandragupta II (r. c. 375–415 CE), also known as Vikramaditya, was one of the most powerful rulers of the Gupta Empire and is often identified with King Chandra of the Delhi Iron Pillar inscription.
Continuing the expansionist policies of his father, Samudragupta, he greatly enlarged the empire through military conquests and strategic marriage alliances. His victories included the defeat of the Sassanids, the conquest of the Western Kshatrapas, and the subjugation of the Hunas. At its height under his rule, the empire stretched from the Oxus River in the west to Bengal in the east, and from the Himalayas to the Narmada River. Through alliances—particularly with the Kadambas and the Vakatakas (during his daughter Prabhavatigupta’s regency)—he further extended Gupta influence in central and southern India.
A devout Vaishnava who practiced religious tolerance, Chandragupta II was also a major patron of culture and learning. His court was traditionally associated with the legendary Navaratnas (“Nine Gems”), possibly including the poet Kalidasa. The Chinese pilgrim Faxian described his reign as peaceful and prosperous. The cave shrines at Udayagiri were constructed during his time. Chandragupta II was succeeded by Kumaragupta I. Photo: Wikipedia (user: PHGCOM)
