Which Gupta ruler is called the 'Napoleon of India' by historians?

Samudragupta (ruled about 335-375 CE) is often called the "Napoleon of India", a title given to him by the historian Vincent A. Smith, because of his many military conquests.

About Samudragupta:

• He was the son of Chandragupta I and the Lichchhavi princess Kumaradevi.
• He was chosen as successor by his father in an assembly of nobles, according to his inscription.
• He was a great warrior who conquered many kingdoms, and greatly expanded the Gupta empire.

His conquests (according to his prashasti, written by his court poet):

• In the north (Aryavarta): he defeated nine kings and annexed their kingdoms.
• In the south (Dakshinapatha): he defeated twelve rulers, including the Pallava king Vishnugopa, but returned their kingdoms to them after they accepted his overlordship.
• The forest kingdoms (atavika rajyas) were made his servants.
• Frontier states, such as Samatata, Davaka, Kamarupa, Nepal and Kartripura, and republics (ganas), such as the Malavas, Arjunayanas, Yaudheyas and Abhiras, paid tribute and obeyed his orders.
• Foreign rulers, such as the Kushanas, the Shakas and the king of Sri Lanka, sent gifts and sought his favour.
• Why "Napoleon of India"?
• Vincent Smith compared him with the French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, because of his large number of military victories and his success in building a large empire.
• Some historians criticise this comparison, as Samudragupta was never defeated, unlike Napoleon.

His other qualities:

• He was also a poet and a musician; his coins show him playing a musical instrument.
• He was a patron of learning; the Buddhist scholar Vasubandhu is said to have been at his court.
• He performed the Ashvamedha sacrifice and issued special gold coins to mark it.
• He allowed the Sri Lankan king Meghavarman to build a monastery at Bodh Gaya.

Why not the other options?

• ✗Chandragupta II was known as Vikramaditya.
• ✗Skandagupta fought the Hunas.
• ✗Kumaragupta I founded Nalanda.