Gupta

The Gupta Empire, also known as the Gupta dynasty, was an ancient Indian empire established in the northern and central regions. Flourishing from roughly 320 to 550 CE, it is often regarded as a classical period and is commonly called the Golden Age of India due to notable achievements in arts, science, and governance.

The empire grew under Chandragupta I (c. 320–335 CE), who established its imperial authority, followed by Samudragupta (c. 335–380 CE) who extended the realm, and Chandragupta II (c. 380–415 CE) who presided over its height. The empire faced pressure from nomadic groups and declined during the mid-6th century, though its cultural influence persisted. Pataliputra (modern Patna) was a major capital and administrative center; the empire encompassed much of the Ganges valley and extended into central India.

Administratively, the Guptas maintained a centralized system with provincial governors and a revenue administration. They supported trade networks across the subcontinent and with Southeast Asia, issuing gold, silver, and copper coinage that facilitated commerce and state legitimacy.

Culturally, the period produced Sanskrit literature such as Kalidasa, and saw significant advances in mathematics and astronomy. The era contributed to the development of the decimal numeral system and the concept of zero, with scholars like Aryabhata and Varahamihira influencing subsequent Indian and Asian science.

The Gupta legacy influenced later Indian political and cultural traditions, including temple architecture and classical arts, shaping regional polities for centuries. In modern usage, Gupta is also a common Indian surname, used by multiple communities and regions rather than a single caste or lineage.