Chandragupta I

Chandragupta I (reigned c. 319-335) was the ruler who raised the Gupta family to imperial status in northern India and is regarded as the effective founder of the Gupta Empire. He took the grand title Maharajadhiraja ('great king of kings'), and his reign is associated with the start of the Gupta era, dated to 319-320 CE. His marriage to the Licchavi princess Kumaradevi strengthened his power and legitimacy, an alliance commemorated on his coinage. He was succeeded by his son Samudragupta, who greatly expanded the empire.