Nagarjuna, a Mahayana Buddhist philosopher, formulated the doctrine of Sunyata (Emptiness) and is often compared to Einstein for his theory of relativity in a philosophical context.

Shudraka wrote Mrichchhakatika, a Sanskrit play that gives a realistic picture of urban society in ancient India.

The Junagadh Rock Inscription details the restoration of the Sudarshan Lake by the Shaka ruler Rudradaman I. It is the first long inscription in pure Sanskrit.

Bhadrabahu was the spiritual teacher of Chandragupta Maurya. They traveled to Shravanabelagola where the king performed Sallekhana (death by fasting).

Charaka, the author of Charaka Samhita (a text on Ayurveda), was a contemporary of the Kushana king Kanishka.

Patanjali wrote the Mahabhasya. He is also credited with compiling the Yoga Sutras.

Chandragupta II of the Gupta dynasty is the most famous ruler to assume the title 'Vikramaditya' after defeating the Shakas.

Simuka is considered the founder of the Satavahana dynasty, which ruled the Deccan region.

Hiuen Tsang visited India in the 7th century AD and spent considerable time at the court of King Harshavardhana.

Vishakhadatta wrote Mudrarakshasa, a play describing how Chanakya won over the subjects for Chandragupta Maurya.