Indian dynasty, rulers of the northeastern state of Magadha, who extended their sway across the north and east of the subcontinent from AD 320 until the mid-6th century. It was founded by Chandragupta I; other notable figures were his son Samudragupta and Chandragupta II. Despite their shrinking empire, the dynasty continued to rule Magadha until 720. The Gupta period was a time of classic Hindu culture.