Who was the first Indian ruler to adopt the imperial title of 'Maharaja-adhiraja'?
Correct Answer: Chandragupta I
Subject: history
- Chandragupta Maurya
- Chandragupta I
- Samudragupta
- Ashoka
Explanation: • Chandragupta I (Gupta dynasty, ~319–335 AD) — first to use 'Maharajadhiraja' (King of Great Kings)
• Marks the rise of the Gupta imperial tradition after post-Mauryan fragmentation
• Strengthened position by marrying Kumaradevi — a Licchavi princess
• Gupta Era (319–320 AD) started to mark his coronation
• His son Samudragupta expanded the empire; grandson Chandragupta II brought the Golden Age
• Coins show both Chandragupta I and Kumaradevi — unique in Indian numismatic history