The Later Imperial Guptas
Summary
The article 'The Later Imperial Guptas' by Parmeshwari Lal Gupta addresses the obscure period of the Imperial Gupta dynasty after Skandagupta (mid‑fifth century). Scholars previously only knew the names of later Gupta kings through coins and inscriptions, but little about their genealogy or political history. The author surveys prior research and introduces fresh observations based on recent discoveries. He discusses the Bhitari and Nalanda seals, which show Purugupta as another son of Kumaragupta I and father of Narasimhagupta and Kumaragupta II. Later fragmentary seals revealed that Budhagupta and Vainyagupta were also sons of Purugupta, while Visnugupta was shown to be his grandson. By reconstructing genealogies, the article clarifies the relationships among kings like Skandagupta, Purugupta, Narasimhagupta, Kumaragupta II, Budhagupta, Vainyagupta, Visnugupta and Bhanugupta. It analyses the chronological evidence from inscriptions, such as the Junagarh, Kauhum and Supia inscriptions for Skandagupta, and the Sarnath and Eran inscriptions for Budhagupta and Vainyagupta. Gupta also assesses the political context, examining how the later Guptas interacted with regional powers like the Vakatakas and how their authority waned after incursions by the Huna and the rise of independent dynasties. The article evaluates differing hypotheses about whether the later Guptas ruled jointly or sequentially and whether they retained imperial status or merely ceremonial authority. By comparing epigraphic dates, coin hoards and Puranic chronologies, the author proposes a more coherent sequence for the later Guptas. He concludes that Purugupta, Narasimhagupta, Kumaragupta II and Budhagupta likely ruled in succession during the second half of the fifth century, followed by a brief period in which Vainyagupta and Bhanugupta held fragmentary power. The article also comments on the decline of central authority, noting that local rulers issued coins in the name of Gupta emperors as a mark of nominal allegiance rather than effective control. Overall, the study brings clarity to a previously obscure phase of the Gupta dynasty by integrating numismatic, epigraphic and literary evidence.
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Conclusion
The article synthesises scattered evidence to reconstruct the later phase of Gupta rule. By analysing seals and inscriptions, Gupta establishes that Purugupta was the pivot of the later lineage and that his sons Narasimhagupta, Kumaragupta II and Budhagupta succeeded him. He argues that later kings like Vainyagupta and Bhanugupta were minor rulers rather than imperial successors, marking the dynasty’s decline. The study shows how careful comparison of numismatic and epigraphic sources can illuminate periods lacking narrative histories and underscores the significance of the Gupta legacy despite its fragmented end.