Chandra Gupta I

(r. 320–35 C.E.) Founder of the Gupta
dynasty, which like the Maurya dynasty
had its capital in Pataliputra, identified
with the modern city of Patna in the
state of Bihar. The Gupta capital was
later moved to Allahabad. At the height
of the dynasty, under Chandra Gupta II
(r. 376–415), the Guptas controlled all of
northern India and modern Pakistan, as
well as the Coromandel Coast all the
way to modern Madras. The Gupta
dynasty flourished between about 350
and 550 C.E., and its reign is associated
with the development of Indian culture
and a revival of Hinduism in northern
India. Both were accomplished through
the patronage of the Gupta kings, who
are remembered both as patrons of high
culture and ardent devotees (bhakta)
of Shiva.