The correct option is (a) 1 and 2 only.
Explanation
Chandragupta II, also known as Vikramaditya, is considered one of the most powerful sovereigns of the Gupta Empire. His reign (c. 376–415 CE) marked the zenith of the empire's territorial expansion and cultural achievements, often referred to as the Golden Age of India.
Statement 1 is Correct:
Chandragupta II was the son of the great conqueror Samudragupta and his queen Datta Devi. He succeeded his father (possibly after a brief struggle with a brother named Ramagupta, according to literary sources like Devichandraguptam) and continued the policy of imperial expansion.
Statement 2 is Correct:
He led a successful military expedition to western India to subdue the Shaka Satraps (Western Kshatrapas). This victory over the last Shaka ruler, Rudrasimha III, ended nearly four centuries of Shaka rule in western India and added the prosperous regions of Gujarat, Kathiawar, and western Malwa to the Gupta Empire. To commemorate this victory, he adopted the title 'Sakari' (Conqueror of Shakas) and issued silver coins imitating the Shaka coinage.
Statement 3 is Incorrect:
While Chandragupta II's court was indeed famous for the 'Navratnas' (Nine Gems), which included the celebrated poet Kalidasa, the mathematician and astronomer Aryabhata was not his contemporary. Chandragupta II reigned from approximately 376 to 415 CE. Aryabhata was born in 476 CE and composed his seminal work, the Aryabhatiya, in 499 CE, placing him in the later Gupta period (likely during the reign of Budhagupta or later rulers).
Key Takeaway:
Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) is associated with the defeat of the Shakas and the patronage of Kalidasa (Navratnas). Aryabhata belongs to the late 5th century, distinct from the reign of Chandragupta II.