Home > Indian History > History of India > Conquests of Chandragupta II
Conquests of Chandragupta II
Conquests of Chandragupta II earned him enormous fame and prosperity in the history of ancient India. Chandragupta II inherited the throne of Samudragupta.

Share this Article:

Conquests of Chandragupta IIThe conquests of Chandragupta II helped the Gupta Empire extend to a vast extent. Chandragupta II maintained the stronghold of the Gupta Empire competently, which was established by his father Samudragupta. Chandragupta II, the immediate successor of Samudragupta, was an important name in the history of ancient India because of his policy of conquests. Since there is no Prasasti or pillar inscription composed during the reign of Chandragupta II, the literary sources appear as the key foundation about his reign.

Depending on the records of literary sources, historians have opined that Chandragupta led his military campaign westward against the Saka Satrapal power in Gujarat and western Malwa. The Sakas were turbulent power in western India. Moreover their alliance with the Vakatakas of Maharashtra and the Nagas, which had created a formidable opposition, terrified Chandragupta II. So a war between Chandragupta II and the Sakas were inevitable. Moreover to fight out against the allied powers was not so easy. Henceforth, Chandragupta II followed the diplomatic policy in order to isolate the Sakas.

Chandragupta II`s matrimonial policy was directed against his two powerful neighbours-- the Nagas and the Vakatakas. To win the closeness of these two powers was very essential to Chandragupta II, in order to subjugate the Saka satraps. First of all Chandragupta married Kuvera-Naga, the Naga princess and won the friendship of Naga power. The Nagas formed a political force in central India and their alliance with the Guptas consolidated the Gupta authority in that region. Prabhabati Gupta, the daughter of Chandragupta II, by his Naga queen Kuvera Naga, was married to the Vakataka ruler of Maharashtra, Rudrasena II. In this way Chandragupta II consolidated his power in Maharashtra and central India, and at the same time allied with the Naga and Vakataka powers. In this way Chandragupta II secured his position against the revolt of the Saka satraps of Saurashtra. The matrimonial alliances proved politically very useful for Chandragupta II in order to extend his authority over a major portion of western India and to constitute a formidable resistance against the Saka power.

The greatest achievement of Chandragupta II was the conquest of Malwa, Gujarat and Kathiawar from the Western Saka Satraps. The Sakas were always a threat to the authority of the Gupta Empire. Perhaps this was the sole reason which impelled Chandragupta II to wage war against the Sakas of Western India. Chandragupta II had murdered a Saka invader, who had defeated Rama Gupta-- if evidences of the Devi Chandragupta are accepted.

The Gupta Empire now extended from the Bay of Bengal in the east to the Arabian Sea in the west. The annexation of Malwa and Saurashtra by Chandragupta II had given the Guptas free access to parts of western coast, especially the parts of Barygaza. As a result trade relation of the Guptas with the Roman Empire flourished. Therefore the principal impact of victory of Chandragupta II in the Saka war was the material prosperity of the Guptas.

Chandragupta II`s chief credit lies in the consolidation of the Empire. Historians have opined that Chandragupta II had inherited a vast kingdom from his father and during his reign he had consolidated those kingdoms to establish a strong foundation of the Gupta Empire.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in History of India


History of Uttar Pradesh
The state was the heart of Mahabharata war and the history of Uttar Pradesh is very much the history of India. The place finds its mentions in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
History Of Archaeology In India
History of archaeology in India contributes a lot to define the past history and the social life of India.
Mughal Architecture during Babur
Mughal Architecture during Babur is of adequate significance in Mughal history, as the emperor introduced Mughal architecture in India, during 16th century.
Princely State of Patdi
Princely State of Patdi or Patri was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was a sub division of Western India States Agency.
Architecture during Sayyid and Lodi Dynasty
Architectures during the Sayyid and Lodi dynasty were mainly the tombs and monuments for the dead rulers. It were carefully designed and meticulously constructed.
Brahmanical Sources of Ancient History
Brahmanical Sources of ancient history are contained in the Vedas and they constitute one of the most important literary sources of information about ancient India.
Female Education In British India
The over brimming enthusiasm among zealous Hindu reformers welcomed female education in British India.
Revenue System of Mauryan Empire
Revenue system of Mauryan Empire can be divided into eight categories. The principal revenue of the state was the land revenue, taxes from traders, artisans and professional taxes were also collected.
Mughal Architecture During Jahangir
Mughal architecture during Jahangir`s period was relative dull in comparison to that of Akbar dynasty.
Princely State of Satlasna
Princely State of Satlasna was amongst the former native states of India that was appointed as one of the Indian princely states during the early 19th century.
Coins of Chola Empire
Coins of Chola Empire were issued in gold, silver and copper and carried the Chola emblem.
Social Life during the Pala Period
Religious toleration and simple living were the characteristics of social life during the Pala period.
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty was reintroduced in the South India after a brief break of coinage less period of nearly three century. Chalukyas issued coins only in gold and they exhibit a brilliant artistic skill of the engraver.
Costumes of Indus Valley Civilisation
Costumes of Indus valley Civilization have been considered as the basis for Indian clothes. Sophisticated ornaments and make up were used during that age.
Development of Science under Gupta Empire
Development of Science under Gupta Empire was progressive and it had attained considerable perfection. Mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, physics and metallurgy were the most prominent of the sciences at that time.
Culture under Delhi Sultanate
Culture under Delhi Sultanate had enduring aspects to it. It included the society, the religious condition, literature and art and architecture of that period.
Princely State of Hapa
Princely State of Hapa was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was under the administrative control of the Western India States Agency.
Economy Under Chola Dynasty
Economy under Chola dynasty was strong and well developed. The economic life of the people of the Chola Kingdom was well balanced with their social life.
Coins of Khilji Dynasty
Coins of Khilji Dynasty had an influential feature that was followed by the other dynasties.
Religion During Mauryan Dynasty
Religion during Mauryan dynasty became a considerable episode in Indian history with an esteemed lineage of rulers.