Empire of Chandragupta II
[AD 380-413]
Chandragupta succeeded his father Samudragupta. He got the title of
Vikramaditya (son of power), so he is also known as
Chandragupta Vikramaditya. Chandragupta II proved to be of the same
military mettle of his father and brought large amounts of territory
in Western India under the Gupta empire.
From the inscription of the Mehrauli Iron Pillar of Chandragupta II
situated in Delhi, it is learnt that he waged successful wars against
several chiefs of Vanga (Bengal). However Chandragupta II's greatest
achievement was the victory over the Saka Satraps of Malwa, Gujarat
and Saurashtra.
Chandragupta's Biggest Achievement
Chandragupta marched against the Saka Satraps about AD 389. After six
years of courageous fighting, he killed the Sakas chieftains. He killed
Rudrasena III, a Saka king of West India. He annexed all the three
kingdoms of Satraps under Gupta empire and made Ujjain a second
capital, and called himself Vikramaditya -- a combination of words
valour and sun. Chandragupta's empire had both the Arabian Sea coast
and that of the Bay of Bengal under its control. He also captured
Bactria and concluded marital alliances with the Nagas, Vakatakas and
Kadamba dynasties.
Like his grandfather, Chandragupta married the Lichhavi princess
Kumaradevi. He gave his daughter Prabhavati in marriage to Rudrasena
II, the Venkata king of Central India. Rudrasena had helped him in his
campaign against the Saka Satraps.
Administrations and Coins
The account of administration of Chandragupta's reign is known from
the Chinese pilgrim Fa Hein who came to India during that period. The
administration was very well organised with very light taxes. The
empire was divided into many provinces which were ruled by independent
governors. The provinces were further divided into districts. Land
revenue was the main source of income of the state and was normally
one-sixth of the produce of the land.
The emperor also issued a host of gold, silver and copper coins to
celebrate his reign. His coins featured Vishnu and his garuda, as well
as images of himself killing a lion, among others. Experts say that
Chandragupta II's coin are of a finer quality than had been seen thus
far.
Chandragupta II was succeeded by his son Kumargupta who was also a
great ruler.