Which Gupta ruler is known as the 'Napoleon of India'?

Samudragupta is the Gupta ruler known as the “Napoleon of India.” The comparison was popularized by historian Vincent A. Smith to highlight Samudragupta’s extraordinary military campaigns and rapid expansion during the fourth century CE.

Samudragupta ruled approximately from 335 to 375 CE, succeeding his father, Chandragupta I. His most important historical record is the Allahabad Pillar inscription, or Prayaga Prashasti, composed by his court poet Harishena. The inscription praises his victories over rulers in northern India and describes campaigns into the Deccan and southern regions.

Samudragupta did not permanently annex every territory he defeated. In many southern campaigns, he restored local rulers after they acknowledged his supremacy, creating a network of tributaries and allies around the Gupta core. He also performed the Ashvamedha horse sacrifice, a ceremony proclaiming imperial sovereignty, and issued distinctive gold coins commemorating it. The nickname is a modern historical comparison, not an ancient royal title, and should not be confused with Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the earlier Maurya Empire.