Gupta Empire — Landmark Events

Landmark Events

Allahabad Pillar Inscription (Prayag Prashasti)

c. 375 CE (composed)

This inscription, composed by Harisena, Samudragupta's court poet, is the most crucial primary source for understanding Samudragupta's reign and the early Gupta Empire. It…

Mehrauli Iron Pillar Inscription

c. 400 CE (attributed)

Located near the Qutub Minar in Delhi, this inscription on a rust-resistant iron pillar is attributed to a king named 'Chandra', widely identified with Chandragupta II. It…

Bhitari Pillar Inscription

c. 460 CE (attributed to Skandagupta)

This inscription from Ghazipur district, Uttar Pradesh, is a crucial source for understanding the challenges faced by the later Gupta Empire, particularly the Hun invasions. It…

Faxian's Account (Fo-Kwo-Ki)

c. 405-411 CE (period of travel)

The travelogue of the Chinese Buddhist pilgrim Faxian, who visited India during the reign of Chandragupta II, offers an invaluable external perspective on the Gupta Empire. His…