[1][2] Born in Tiflis, in a wealthy Armenian family, Sundukian learned both classical and modern Armenian, French, Italian and Russian, studied at the University of Saint-Petersburg, where he wrote a dissertation on the principles of Persian versification.

In 1863, the Armenian theatre company of Tiflis staged his first play, Sneezing at Night's Good Luck.

His well-known play "Pepo" (1871) was made into the first Armenian talkie in 1935.

Another famous film based on his work is "Khatabala" (1971).

The G. Sundukyan State Academic Theatre in Yerevan is named in his honor.