A fact which is really underrated and not widely known is that India had a female monarch. The first female monarch of India was Prabhavati Gupta, daughter of Chandra Gupta II of Gupta dynasty and

Kubera Naga. It is said that her contribution to Deccan has not been given enough credit.

Kubera Naga was a princess who was sent to the Gupta court as a political hostage. Braving the dire situations, she managed to become one of the most prominent Gupta queens giving birth to Prabhavati

Gupta.

Prabhavati Gupta was politically smart, brave and fearless. She helped her father Chandra Gupta with resources at the final defeat of Sakas. She also identified with her natal family, adopting their gotra, Dharana.

She married Rudrasena II, crown prince of Vakataka dynasty. Prabhavati influenced the social, cultural and religious practices. After the death of Rudrasena II, Prabhavati ruled the kingdom a regent before

her sons could take over. She was also keen of experimenting with art and sculpture.