- Chandragupta II was the next great emperor of Gupta empire after his father Samudragupta. He came to be known by his title Vikramaditya (Power of Sun).
- The most important event of Chandragupta II’s reign was conquest of Sakas. He destroyed the Saka chieftain Rudrasena III and annexed his kingdom. Banabhatta’s Harshacharita gives a reference to this event. According to Banabhatta, Rudrasena was killed while courting another man’s wife by Chandragupta.
- His daughter Prabhavati Gupta was married to Vakataka king Rudrasena II.
- He issued silver currency in close imitation of that of the Sakas after the occupation of their territory.
- Chandragupta made Ujjain his second capital. Ujjain enjoyed pre-eminence as a religious & political centre.
- Chinese traveller Fa Hien had visited India during the time of Chandragupta II.
- Fa-Hien stayed in the capital city of Pataliputra for three years. He learnt Sanskrit language and translated various Buddhist works. On his return journey, Fa-Hien proceeded to Tamralipti (Tamluk, Midnapur district). Here he embarked for Ceylon and Java.
- Observation of Fa Hien: Pataliputra was considerably neglected by the warrior kings like Samudragupta and Vikramaditya, Asoka’s palace was in existence even in the Gupta Era, there were a lot of charitable institutions, rest houses, and there was excellent Free Hospital in the Capital, no one kills the living things, or drinks wine or eats Onion or garlic. They don’t keep pigs and fowls, there is no dealing of cattle, and there are no butchers. Only Chandals did all these, Roads were clear and safe for the passengers.
- His victory over Malwa helped in prosperity of the Malwa region and Ujjain became a commercial hub.
- Mehrauli Iron Pillar (established by Chandragupta as Vishnupada in the honour of Lord Vishnu) credits Chandragupta with spread of his fame to southern seas and attainment of Ekadhirajjyam (United Kingdom) by prowess of his arms.
- Chandragupta II was known for his deep interest in art and culture and nine gems or Navratna adorned his court.
- Amarsimha (Sanskrit lexicographer and a poet, Author of Amarkosha)
- Dhanvantri (Physician & medicine)
- Harisena (composed the Prayag Prasasti or Allahabad Pillar Inscription)
- Kalidasa (Most famous Sanskrit poet and playwright)
- Kahapanaka (astrologer)
- Sanku (field of Architecture)
- Varahamihira (astronomical systems, mathematician and sciences)
- Vararuchi (grammarian and Sanskrit scholar)
- Vetalbhatta (magician)
