The University of Nalanda was set up by which Gupta ruler?

Nalanda is an ancient university and Buddhist monastic centre. Nalanda’s traditional history dates to the time of the Buddha (6th–5th centuries BCE) and Mahavira, the founder of the Jaina religion.

Important Points​

Kumaragupta Ⅰ was the son and successor of Chandragupta Ⅱ.

• Adopted the titles of ‘Shakraditya’ and ‘Mahendraditya’.
• Performed ‘Ashwamedha sacrifices.
• Most importantly, he laid the foundation of Nalanda University which emerged as an institution of international reputation.
• At the end of his reign, peace did not prevail on the northwest frontier due to the invasion of the Huns of Central Asia. After occupying Bactria, the Huns crossed the Hindukush mountains, occupied Gandhara and entered India. Their first attack, during Kumaragupta Ⅰ’s reign, was made unsuccessful by prince Skandagupta.
• The inscriptions of Kumaragupta Ⅰ’s reign are – Karandanda, Mandsor, Bilsad inscription (oldest record of his reign)  and Damodar Copper Plate inscription.

Thus, it is clear that the University of Nalanda was set up by Kumargupta I.

Key Points

• Samudragupta (C.E. 335 – 375)
  • Referred to as the “Napoleon of India” by historian Vincent. A. Smith.
  • He was a magnificent empire builder and great administrator and the greatest among Guptas.
  • His achievements, successes and 39 victories are mentioned by his court poet “Harisena”.
  • He wrote a long inscription engraved in Allahabad in Sanskrit on the Ashoka Pillar known as “Prayag Prashasti”.
  • Two types of rule were prevalent. Direct rule in Bengal, Bihar, U.P., and parts M.P. and indirect rule. After defeating the kings he returned the kingdom to them on conditions of
    • Tribute
    • Personal appearance in the court of Samudragupta
    • Had to marry their daughters with him.
  • He performed an Asvamedha, adopted the title “Parakramanka”.
  • He wrote poems and earned the title “Kaviraja”.
  • He minted gold coins with his own image and Laxmi’s image, Garuda, Ashvamedha Yagya & playing the veena.
• Chandragupta II is also known as Chandragupta Vikramaditya.
  • The drama ―Devichandraguptam” written by Vishakhadutta is about Chandragupta‘s succession by displacing his brother Ramagupta.
  • He defeated Shaka Rulers.
  • He made Ujjain his second capital.
  • He adopted the titles Vikramaditya.
  • He was the first Gupta king who issued silver coins.
  • Naratnas adorned his court. Famous poets like Kalidas, Amarasimha, Vishakhadatta and Physician Dhanvantri adorned his court.
  • Fa-Hien, the Chinese traveller visited India during his time (399 A.D.-410 A.D.)
  • The inscriptions engraved on the ―Iron Pillar at Mehrauli (near Delhi) give an account of his conquest.
• Kumaragupta II was an emperor of the Gupta Empire. An image of Gautama Buddha at Sarnath notes that he succeeded Purugupta who was most likely his father.