CANDRA GUPTA II

also called Vikramaditya (reigned c. 380c. 415), powerful emperor of northern India, son of Samudra Gupta and grandson of Candra Gupta I. During his reign, art, architecture, and sculpture flourished, and the cultural development of ancient India reached its climax. According to tradition, Candra Gupta II achieved power by assassinating a weak elder brother. Inheriting a large empire, he continued the policy of his father Samudra Gupta by extending control over neighbouring territories, whether by military or peaceful means. From 388 to 409 he subjugated Gujarat, the region north of Bombay, Saurastra (now Saurashtra), in western India, and Malwa, with its capital at Ujjain. These territories were ruled by Saka chiefs, whose ancestors were Scythian tribes from the regions around Lake Balqash (in Kazakstan). To strengthen his southern flank he arranged a marriage between his daughter Prabhavati and Rudrasena II, king of the Vakatakas. When Rudrasena died, Prabhavati acted as regent for her sons, thereby increasing Gupta influence in the south. The Emperor may also have made a matrimonial alliance with a dynasty in Mysore. He is almost certainly the King Candra eulogized in the Sanskrit inscription on the iron pillar in the Quwat-ul-Islam mosque in Delhi. A strong and vigorous ruler, Candra Gupta II was well qualified to govern an extensive empire. Some of his silver coins bear the title Vikramaditya (Sun of Valour), which suggests that he was the prototype of the king Vikramaditya of later Hindu tradition. Although the Emperor generally resided at Ayodhya, which he made his capital, the city of Pataliputra (now Patna in Bihar) also achieved prosperity and grandeur. A benevolent king under whom India enjoyed peace and relative prosperity, he also patronized learning; among the scholars at his court were the astronomer Varahamihira and the Sanskrit poet and dramatist Kalidasa. The Chinese Buddhist pilgrim Fa-hsien, who spent six years (405411) in India during his reign, spoke highly of the system of government, the means for dispensing charity and medicine (the Emperor maintained free rest houses and hospitals), and the goodwill of the people. But he never visited the Emperor or his court. Candra Gupta II was a devout Hindu, but he also tolerated the Buddhist and Jain religions.