With reference to the Age of the Guptas, answer the following questions:

(a) Explain the extent of Samudragupta's Empire based on the information given in the Allahabad Pillar Inscription.

(b) Explain how Chandragupta II expanded his empire.

(c) Briefly mention any four observations of Fa-hien about the reign of Chandragupta II's reign.

(a) According to The Allahabad inscription, the empire of Samudragupta extended from Brahmaputra in east to rivers Yamuna and Chambal in the west and from Himalayas in the north to Narmada in south. He further extended his empire upto the Chambal river by defeating the Naga kings of Mathura, Gwalior and Ahichhatra.

(b) Chandragupta II expanded his empire by conquering the territories of Sakas of Malwa, Gujarat and Saurashtra. For this he was given the title 'Sakari'. Chandragupta II entered into matrimonial alliance as a part of foreign policy, he married Kuberanaga of the Naga family. The Nagas were a powerful ruling clan and this matrimonial alliance helped the Gupta ruler in expanding his empire. The marriage of Chandragupta's daughter, Prabhavati with Vakataka ruler, Rudrasena II helped him to establish his political influence in the Deccan.

(c) Four observations of Fa-hien about Chandragupta II's reign were:

1. Magadha was a prosperous country with large towns and wealthy population.
2. Pataliputra was a flourishing city with numerous charitable institutions including a charitable hospital.
3. Although people were wealthy yet they led simple lives, observing the Buddhist rules of conduct.
4. Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Buddhism and Jainism were main religions. People had no ill-will towards other sects.