The
Gupta Empire (, ) was an
ancient Indian empire, founded by
Maharaja Sri Gupta, which existed at its zenith from approximately 240 to 550 CE and covered much of the
Indian Subcontinent. The peace and prosperity created under the leadership of the Guptas enabled the pursuit of scientific and artistic endeavours. This period is called the Golden Age of India and was marked by extensive
inventions and discoveries in
science, technology,
engineering,
art, dialectic,
literature,
logic,
mathematics,
astronomy,
religion, and
philosophy that crystallized the elements of what is generally known as
Hindu culture.
Chandra Gupta I,
Samudra Gupta, and
Chandra Gupta II were the most notable rulers of the Gupta dynasty. The 4th century CE
Sanskrit poet
Kalidasa credits Guptas with having conquered about twenty one kingdoms, both in and outside India, including the kingdoms of
Parasikas, the
Hunas, the
Kambojas, tribes located in the west and east
Oxus valleys, the
Kinnaras,
Kiratas etc.