Standing Nude - Elvira. Painting by Amedo Modigalini

Chandragupta II, the Greatest of Gupta kings, was Samudragupta’s son. Later on he gave himself another name- Vikramaditya, which means the “The Sun of valour.: This name turned out to be right for him, because he made his father’s empire even greater and stronger than it was.

He-conquered the lands to the west. This gave him control over the sea-ports on the western coast. From these ports, ships took rubies, fine clothes and spices which were sold in Egypt, Rome and other countries and this trade brought great wealth to his empire. The golden ate of ancient India attained its zenith during his reign.

He ascended the throne in A.D. 376 Her married Dhruvaswamini and established similar matrimonial alliances with beautiful women of manuy ruling families to strengthen his position. With the assistance of these rulers, he conquered Malwa, Gujarat, Saurashtra, the whole of northern and central India, together with the kingdoms of Kushanas, Pallavas, Bengal and Panjab. According to an edict, his suzerainty extened over Bactria and Afghanistan. The Iron Pillar at Mehruali near Delhi given sull information about his vicrtoriiuous campaigns.

His capital was at Ujjain (Avanti). It was the most flourishing center for education, arts, literature and trade. Many other cities as well as ports flourished. Chandragupta II was a devotee of Lord Vishnu but like most of the rulers of the time was very liberal and tolerant towards other religions. The Jains, Buddhists and followers of other faiths had full freedom to practise their faith. There was all round progress, peace and prosperity. Being deeply interested in literature, arts and science. He gave fillip to them. His court was full of eminent scholrs. Poets and artists. His nine gems included poet kalidas, Amarasingh, Aryabhatt, Varahamihira, Dhanvantri, Vasubandhu, Brahmagupta and Vishakhadatt.