Introduction

1. Samudragupta , ruler of the Gupta Empire (c. 335 – c. 375 CE), and successor to Chandragupta I, is considered to be one of the greatest military geniuses in Indian history.

2. Samudragupta the Great is believed to have been his father's chosen successor even though he had several elder brothers. Therefore, some believe that after the death of Chandragupta I, there was a struggle for succession in which Samudragupta prevailed. It is said that Samudragupta became the ruler after subduing his rival Kacha, an obscure prince of the dynasty.

3. He ranks with Ashoka, though in fundamentals both differed radically from each other. While Ashoka,'stands for peace and non-violence, Samudragupta for the opposite principle of war and aggression. The one had contempt for conquests, the other had a passion for them.

Samudragupta's Conquests

1. Samudragupta started to rule the kingdom and did not rest until he conquered almost the whole of India.

2. His reigning period may be described as a vast military campaign.

3. To begin with he attacked the neighboring kingdoms of Ahichchhatra (Rohilkhand) and Padmavati (in Central India).

4. He conquered the whole of Bengal, some Kingdoms in Nepal and he made Assam pay him tribute.

5. He absorbed some tribal states like the Malvas, the Yaudheyas, the Arjunayanas, the Abhiras and the Maduras.

6. The rulers of Afghanistan, Central Asia and Eastern Iran; Kushanas and the Sakas were made his tributaries.

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