Introduction

Rise of the Gupta Empire: The rise of the Gupta Empire occurred near Prayag (modern-day Allahabad) in Kaushambi towards the end of the 3rd century. The Guptas were feudatories of the Kushanas. Initially, the Gupta kingdom was based in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. It appears that Uttar Pradesh held more importance for the Gupta rulers than Bihar, as most early inscriptions were found in Uttar Pradesh. From there, the rulers expanded in various directions. They established dominance over Anuganga (Middle Ganga Plain), Prayag, Saket (modern Ayodhya), and Magadha.