Highlight the cultural contribution of Samudragupta.

Samudragupta took the Gupta dynasty from its unimportant position to its heights. He ascended the throne about 335 A.D. The Allahabad Pillar Inscription is the most important source which throws a light upon the history of Samudragupta. Allahabad Pillar Inscription discloses that Samudragupta defeated the union of twelve kings in a battle and maintained his supremacy. Dr. R.C. Majumdar has said that “Brilliant both as general and statesman. Samudragupta also possessed many qualities of head and heart better suited to a life of peaceful pursuits”.

1) Samudragupta had great affection for art literature and learning.

2) He composed many poems in Sanskrit and received the title of Kaviraj (the King of the poets).

3) Many renowned scholars decorated his court and improved prestige and distinction.

4) Harisena, the writer of the Allahabad inscription, was the chief personality of his court.

5) He was also a man of musical arts. (Some of his coins in his time show him seated on the couch and playing a Vina or lute as a musician).

6) His court poets have celebrated his intellect, poetic skill and ability in music.

7) Samudragupta was also a philosopher.

8) He is described as one who wanted to go deep into the ‘tattva’ ( wisdom) of the

9) He was also a patron of Buddhist philosopher and author Vasubandhu

10) He studied the internal philosophy of Buddhism under the guidance of that learned man.

11) Samudragupta being a conformist Hindu and supporter of the Brahmanical system was open-minded to all other religions.

12) He permitted the king of Ceylon to build a Buddhist monastery at Bodh Gaya for the advantage of the Buddhist monks.

13) He was very generous and sympathetic to the poor.

14) He was surrounded by a galaxy of poets and scholars whose services were occupied in the process of the creation of sacred literature.

15) Dr. V.A. Smith remarks “Samudragupta was a man of exceptional personal capacity and usually varied gifts”.

16) The height of ancient technical skill is seen in the coins, and the art of coinage exhibits the prosperity of the empire.

17) Samudragupta was a prominent character and guided a new era an era of cultural prosperity in ancient India.