In north India, a new Gupta empire arose (not to be confused with the earlier empire of Chandragupta), lasting from 320-535 AD. Vikramaditya (around 400 AD) was among the three of the greatest Gupta kings, ruling over a large territory extending over much of eastern, northern and central India. His rule was during a golden age of Indian culture, with great achievements and growth in art, architecture, sculpture and literature. The Gupta empire is weakened from attacks by the White Huns after 430 AD, and a period of general chaos begins to affect all of India.

By 230 AD, the Satavahana dynasty, which had ruled Maharashtra, an area covering most of central India, for more than 200 years, declined. The Vakatak dynasty then ruled the region to about 600 AD.

The great Indian poet, Kalidasa, who lived around 400 AD, resided for a time at the Vakatak court, at Nagpur, although he travelled much. He wrote plays as well as poetry, and three major works are known. The most well known outside of India is called the Shakuntala. It was the first work of Kalidasa to be translated into English. The story is based on an episode from the great Indian epic the Mahabharata. In outline, King Dushhyanta, while on a hunting expedition, meets the hermit-girl Shakuntala, whom he marries. Obliged by affairs of state to return to his palace, he gives Shakuntala his ring, promising to send for her later. But when Shakuntala comes to the court for their reunion, Dushhyanta fails to recognize her because of a curse. The spell is subsequently broken by the discovery of the ring, which Shakuntala had lost on her way to the court. The couple are later reunited, and all ends happily.

Harsha Vardhana, king of Thaneshwar in the present Haryana state, near New Delhi, reunited northern India in 606 AD. He ruled over a decentralized, feudal kingdom, with vassal nobles offering him tribute. His reign is significant because diplomatic relations were opened with the T'sang rulers in China. He was known as a good king who cared for his subjects and even donated much of his private wealth to the poor. In AD 640 - 641, the Chinese traveller Hiuan Tsang visited Maharashtra, or as the Chinese called it "Ma-ha-lo-sha". He wrote:

"The soil is rich and fertile and is regularly cultivated and very

productive. Men are fond of learning and studying both, heretical

and orthodox books. The disposition of the people is honest and

simple; they are tall in stature and of stern and vindictive character.

To their benefactors they are grateful; to their enemies, relentless.

If they are insulted, they will risk their lives to avenge themselves.

If they are asked to help one in distress, they will forget themselves

in their haste to render assistance."