The campaigns of which of the following Gupta ruler are described in the ‘Prayagprasasti’ ?
Samudragupta
Understanding the Prayagprasasti and Gupta Rulers
The question asks about the Gupta ruler whose campaigns are detailed in the famous ‘Prayagprasasti’. The Prayagprasasti, also known as the Allahabad Pillar inscription, is a significant historical document from ancient India.
What is the Prayagprasasti?
The Prayagprasasti is an inscription found on the Ashoka Pillar in Allahabad (Prayagraj). It is written in Sanskrit and composed by Harisena, who was a court poet and minister of a prominent Gupta emperor. The inscription is a eulogy (prasasti) that praises the ruler and describes his military achievements, conquests, and administrative policies.
Who is described in the Prayagprasasti?
Historians have extensively studied the script and content of the Prayagprasasti. The inscription vividly describes the extensive military campaigns and conquests undertaken by a specific Gupta emperor, expanding his empire across various regions of the Indian subcontinent. It details his victories over numerous kings and tribal republics.
Analyzing the Options
- Chandragupta I: He was the first major ruler of the Gupta dynasty, often considered the founder of the Gupta Empire era (Gupta Samvat). While important, the Prayagprasasti is not primarily associated with his reign or conquests in detail.
- Samudragupta: This ruler was a very powerful military leader. The Prayagprasasti is universally recognized as the key source of information about his reign, particularly his wide-ranging military campaigns across north and south India. Harisena, the composer, was his minister.
- Chandragupta II: Also known as Vikramaditya, he was the son of Samudragupta. His reign is known for territorial expansion (like defeating the Shakas) and cultural prosperity, but the primary description of extensive pan-Indian campaigns in the Prayagprasasti relates to his father.
- Skandagupta: He was a later Gupta ruler who faced invasions from the Hunas. His achievements are recorded in other inscriptions, such as the Bhitari Pillar inscription, not the Prayagprasasti.
Conclusion
Based on historical evidence and the content of the inscription itself, the campaigns described in the Prayagprasasti are those of Samudragupta. Harisena’s detailed account provides invaluable insights into the military might and political influence of Samudragupta, making him one of the most celebrated rulers of the Gupta dynasty.
Important Questions from Gupta Age
Which legal text of the Gupta period gives us a fair idea of the polity and administration of the Guptas ?
From the decline of Guptas until the rise of Harshavardhana in the early seventh century, which of the following kingdoms were holding power in Northern India?
1. The Guptas of Magadha
2. The Paramaras Malwa
3. The Pushyabhutis of Thanesar
4. The Maukharis of Kanauj
5. The Yaduvas of Devagiri
6. The Maitrakas of Valabhi
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Who was called as the 'Napoleon of India'?
Which of the following rulers from the Gupta dynasty first assumed the title 'Maharajadhiraja'?
Identify the person from the following description :
a. Founder of a great empire.
b. Cultured, scholar and a poet.
c. The famous poet Harisena was his court poet and Buddhist scholar Vasubandhu was in his court.
d. Vincent Smith praises him as the 'Indian Napoleon'.
