Which Gupta ruler successfully repulsed the first major Huna invasion?
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Correct (B): Skandagupta (455-467 CE) decisively defeated the Hunas (Hephthalites) — the Bhitari inscription describes the earth trembling in the battle; the Junagarh record calls his fame sung 'even in the mlechchha countries'. Why others wrong: (D) Kumaragupta faced the Pushyamitras; the Huna storm broke under his son; (A) Budhagupta's era saw renewed Huna pressure but no famous repulse; (C) Narasimhagupta fought Mihirakula LATER (with Yashodharman's era).
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The dynasty was founded by Sri Gupta around the early fourth century CE, but it gained real political strength under Chandragupta I, who laid the foundation for a powerful north Indian empire.
This era saw remarkable achievements in science, mathematics, literature, art, and architecture happening together under stable and prosperous rule, which is why historians label it a golden age.
Chandragupta II, also known as Vikramaditya, expanded the empire further and patronised scholars like Kalidasa, making his court a centre of literary and cultural brilliance.
Aryabhata's work on the concept of zero, place-value notation, and calculations related to pi and the earth's rotation are among the most significant contributions of this period.
Repeated Huna invasions combined with the administrative strain of governing a vast territory led to the empire's gradual fragmentation by the early sixth century.