In Gupta period Indian history, Aryabhatta and Kalidasa were in the court of which Gupta emperor?

Introduction / Context:
During the Gupta period, often called the golden age of ancient India, several great scholars and literary figures flourished at royal courts. Two of the most famous names from this era are the mathematician and astronomer Aryabhatta and the classical Sanskrit poet and dramatist Kalidasa. Many exam questions in Indian history test the association of these luminaries with specific Gupta rulers, because this helps students connect cultural achievements with political history.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question refers to the Gupta period of ancient Indian history.
• It specifically asks about the Gupta emperor whose court included Aryabhatta and Kalidasa.
• The options list several prominent Gupta rulers: Samudragupta, Chandragupta I, Chandragupta II, Kumara Gupta I and Skandagupta.
• The task is to identify the ruler whose reign is strongly linked with a cultural golden age and the presence of these scholars at court.

Concept / Approach:
The key concept is the cultural history of the Gupta empire. Chandragupta II, also known by the title Vikramaditya, is famous for presiding over a brilliant court filled with scholars, poets and scientists. Traditional accounts and later literary traditions associate Kalidasa and Aryabhatta with the court of Vikramaditya. Therefore, by recalling which Gupta ruler is known as Vikramaditya and associated with such a circle of learned men, we can pick the correct option.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
A quick verification is to match rulers with their key achievements. Samudragupta is remembered more for his conquests and military campaigns than for a circle of nine gems. Chandragupta I is known as the founder who gave the initial royal status to the family. Skandagupta is famous for fighting the Hunas. Kumara Gupta is associated with founding Nalanda but not directly with Kalidasa. Chandragupta II, on the other hand, is repeatedly linked with a golden cultural age and the legendary group of learned men. This cross check confirms the answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Samudragupta: Mainly renowned as a great conqueror and military leader, not specifically for hosting Kalidasa and Aryabhatta at his court.
• Kumara Gupta I: Known for stability and possibly for Nalanda, but not clearly associated with both these figures.
• Skandagupta: Famous for defending the empire against the Hunas rather than for cultural patronage on this scale.
• Chandragupta I: Credited with consolidating Gupta power but not with the specific cultural circle linked to Aryabhatta and Kalidasa.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse Chandragupta I, Chandragupta II and Chandragupta Maurya because of the similarity in names. Another common mistake is to assume that the first or most militarily famous ruler must also be the cultural patron. Careful reading of history texts shows that it is Chandragupta II Vikramaditya whose court is famous for learned men, including Kalidasa, and whose era overlaps with the work of Aryabhatta.

Final Answer:
Correct answer: Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya).