Consider the following statements:

I. During the reign of Chandragupta-I, the Sakas were defeated.

II. Samudragupta's South Indian conquest did not lead to any permanent annexation.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

Key Points

• Samudragupta's South Indian conquest indeed did not lead to any permanent annexation. He followed a policy of subjugating the rulers and then reinstating them as vassals, focusing more on establishing his supremacy rather than territorial expansion.
• The reign of Chandragupta I did not feature the defeat of the Sakas. It was Chandragupta II, also known as Vikramaditya, who defeated the Western Satraps (Sakas).
• The Gupta Empire, under Chandragupta I, laid the foundation for a vast empire through strategic alliances and military conquests in Northern India.
• Samudragupta, the successor of Chandragupta I, expanded the Gupta Empire significantly, earning the title of 'Napoleon of India' for his military campaigns.

Additional Information

• Gupta Dynasty:
  • The Gupta Dynasty, considered a golden age in Indian history, is known for its advancements in arts, science, and political administration.
  • Chandragupta I (reigned c. 320 – c. 335 CE) is acknowledged for laying the groundwork for the Gupta Empire, expanding it through strategic marriages and conquests.
  • Chandragupta II (reigned c. 380 – c. 415 CE), also known as Vikramaditya, is credited with expanding the empire to its zenith, and it was under his reign that the Sakas were defeated.
• Samudragupta:
  • Samudragupta, Chandragupta I's son, reigned from c. 335 to 380 CE and is celebrated for his extensive military conquests. He is often referred to as the 'Napoleon of India' due to his strategic and expansive military campaigns.
  • He undertook a series of campaigns in Northern India, extending Gupta influence over a large territory.
  • His southern campaigns, although not leading to permanent annexations, established his supremacy and resulted in the subjugation of many southern rulers, who were reinstated as vassals.
• Sakas (Western Satraps):
  • The Western Satraps, also known as the Sakas, were a dynasty of Indo-Scythian rulers who controlled parts of western and central India.
  • Chandragupta II defeated the Western Satraps, significantly expanding the Gupta Empire's territory and influence, marking a significant victory over these long-standing adversaries.