Ancient and Medieval Indian Rulers

Alexander invaded India in 326 BC. Nandas were ruling over India at that time. The chronological order of these 4 dynasties was: Nanda, Maurya, Sunga and Kanva.

Of the 16 Mahajanapadas, Magadha, Kosala, Vatsa and Avanti were the most powerful. They fought amongst themselves for years and ultimately Magadha emerged victorious under Bimbisara (Haryanka dynasty) in the 6^th century BC.

In 1018, Rajendra conquered Ceylon (Srilanka). Earlier, Rajaraja-I conquered only half of it.

All statements are correct. The last Mauryan ruler, Brihadratha was assassinated by his commander-in-chief, Pushyamitra Sunga in 185 BC. The last ruler of Kanva dynasty, Susharma was deposed by the Andhras and Satavahana dynasty came into being.

Vasumitra and Ashavaghosh together presided over the fourth council. In this council, Buddhists were divided into Mahayanists and Hinayanists.

Cow, camel, horse and lion were not depicted on seals. Unicorn was the animal most commonly represented on the seals.

Dantidurga, a feudatory of Chalukyas, founded the Rashtrakuta empire in 753 C E (AD) with their capital at Manyakhet.

Mrichchhakatika (The Clay Court) is a Sanskrit play written by Shudraka in 2^nd C BC. It is about a young man named Charudatta, and his love for Vasantasena, a rich courtesan.

Samudragupta (reigned 335-375 AD) was renowned as one of India's greatest military geniuses. He expanded the Gupta Empire through conquests across most of India, earning titles like 'Kaviraj' (King of Poets). His court poet Harisena documented these campaigns in the Prayag Prasasti inscription.

Chandragupta I (reigned 320-335 AD) is credited with establishing the Gupta Empire. Through strategic alliances and conquests, he laid the foundation for what would become India's Golden Age. He started the Gupta Era in 320 AD and took the title 'Maharajadhiraja' (King of Kings).

Vishnugupta (reigned 540-550 AD) was the last recognized ruler of the main Gupta Empire line. By his reign, the empire had significantly weakened due to Hunnic invasions and internal fragmentation. The Gupta Empire's formal end is traditionally dated around 550 AD.

Sri Gupta (late 3rd-early 4th century AD) is traditionally regarded as the founder of the Gupta dynasty. While not much is known about his reign, he established the small kingdom in Magadha that his descendants would expand into a vast empire. He was followed by his son Ghatotkacha.

Chandragupta II (reigned 380-415 AD) adopted the title 'Vikramaditya' meaning 'Sun of Power' or 'Sun of Valor'. His reign is considered the peak of the Gupta Empire's golden age, marked by literary flourishing (Kalidasa), trade prosperity, and territorial expansion. The Ujjain calendar may have been started in his honor.

Chandragupta II is credited with issuing silver coins for the first time in the Gupta Empire. While the Guptas were famous for their gold dinars, Chandragupta II introduced silver coinage, possibly to facilitate trade with the Western Kshatrapas he conquered. His coins featured his figure and various Hindu deities.

Ghatotkacha (son of Sri Gupta) succeeded his father as ruler of the Gupta kingdom. He ruled for a brief period before Chandragupta I expanded the kingdom into a full-fledged empire. Ghatotkacha's reign is less documented but represents the transitional phase before imperial expansion.