The Gupta Empire, which flourished from approximately 240 to 550 CE in ancient India, is often regarded as a golden age of Indian culture, science, and politics. Its rise began under Chandragupta I, who expanded the empire through strategic marriages and military conquests, establishing a period of stability and prosperity. The empire reached its zenith under Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya), marking advancements in art, literature, mathematics, and astronomy, with notable scholars like Aryabhata emerging during this time.
However, the decline of the Gupta Empire began in the 5th century due to several factors, including internal strife, ineffective leadership, and pressure from invasions, such as the Huna invasions in the 6th century. By the mid-6th century, the empire fragmented into smaller states, leading to its eventual fall and the rise of regional kingdoms, marking the end of this influential era in Indian history.