The Allahabad Pillar Inscription of Samudragupta describes four different kinds of rulers and tells us about Samudragupta’s policies towards them:
1. The nine rulers of Aryavarta were up rooted and their kingdoms were made a part of Samudragupta’s empire.
2. The twelve rulers of Dakshinpatha (South India), who surrendered to Samudra gupta after being defeated, were liberated and allowed to rule again over their kingdoms.
3. The inner circle of neighboring states, including Assam, Coastal Bengal, Nepal and a number of gana sanghas (organisation of many kings) in the north-west. They brought tribute, followed his ordered and attended his court.
4. The rulers of the outlying areas, who submitted to him and offered their daughters in marriage