India Map 321 CE — Historical Map & Timeline

Who ruled India in 321 CE?

In 321 CE, power in the subcontinent was shared among 4 major states and dynasties. Dates are conventional estimates.

• Gupta Empire — Chandragupta I (320 CE–335 CE)
  Northern India; capital Pataliputra. The dynasty of Chandragupta I, Samudragupta and Chandragupta II. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica — Gupta dynasty · Read: The Gupta Empire
• Pallava dynasty
  Tamil Nadu and southern Andhra; capital Kanchipuram. Builders of the Shore Temple and rock-cut monuments of Mamallapuram. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica — Pallava dynasty
• Western Satraps (Kshatrapas)
  Gujarat, Saurashtra and Malwa. Shaka rulers of western India, ended by the Gupta conquest under Chandragupta II. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica — Shaka satrap
• Vakataka dynasty
  Vidarbha and the northern Deccan. Deccan dynasty allied by marriage to the Guptas; patrons associated with Ajanta. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica — Vakataka dynasty

What happened in India around 321 CE?

• 100 CE: Sangam-era courts and ports flourish
• 250 CE: Satavahana power recedes in the Deccan
• 320 CE: Gupta dynasty consolidates power
• 335 CE: Samudragupta begins an expansive reign
• 375 CE: Gupta influence broadens
• c. 399–414 CE: Faxian records a pilgrim’s India. The Chinese Buddhist monk Faxian travelled through northern India seeking monastic texts and observing sacred sites. His account is invaluable but selective, shaped by the interests of a pilgrim rather than a complete survey of society. Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica: Faxian