Understanding Ancient Indian Inscriptions and Their Composers

The question asks us to identify which of the listed inscriptions was composed by the historical figure Harishena. Understanding the key figures associated with major ancient Indian inscriptions is crucial for studying this period.

Analyzing the Options

Let's examine each option to determine its composer or the ruler associated with it:

• Nashik Inscription of Gautami Balashri: This inscription belongs to the Satavahana dynasty. It records the achievements of Gautamiputra Satakarni and was issued by his mother, Gautami Balashri. Harishena was not associated with the Satavahana period or this inscription.
• Prayaga Prashasti of Samudragupta: This inscription, also known as the Allahabad Pillar Inscription, is a significant historical source for the reign of the Gupta emperor Samudragupta. It details his conquests, administration, and personal qualities. Historical records attribute the composition of this eulogy (prashasti) to Harishena, who was a court poet and minister of Samudragupta.
• Deopara Prashasti of Vijayasena: This inscription is associated with the Sena dynasty ruler Vijayasena in Bengal. It was composed by the poet Umapatidhara, one of the "five jewels" in the court of the Sena king Lakshmana Sena (Vijayasena's grandson, though the inscription relates to Vijayasena's achievements). Harishena lived centuries before Vijayasena.
• Hathigumpha Inscription of Kharavela: Located near Bhubaneswar, Odisha, this inscription provides information about the Kalinga ruler Kharavela. The inscription is undated but palaeographically placed in the 1st century BCE or 1st century CE, long before Harishena's time. The composer of this inscription is not explicitly mentioned.

Identifying Harishena's Composition

Based on historical evidence, Harishena was a key figure in the court of Samudragupta during the Gupta Empire. His most famous work is the Prayaga Prashasti, which serves as a primary source for Samudragupta's reign.

Detailed Explanation of Prayaga Prashasti

The Prayaga Prashasti is inscribed on an Ashokan pillar at Allahabad (Prayagraj). It is written in elegant Sanskrit and uses the Champu style (a mix of prose and poetry). The inscription describes Samudragupta's military campaigns, his righteous rule, his patronage of arts and learning, and his personal virtues. Harishena's composition highlights Samudragupta's extensive conquests across various regions of India, categorizing them based on the ruler's policy towards the defeated kings (e.g., annexation, restoration, tribute).

Therefore, the Prayaga Prashasti of Samudragupta is the inscription composed by Harishena.

Conclusion

Comparing the options with historical knowledge, it is clear that Harishena is credited with composing the Prayaga Prashasti, a significant inscription detailing the reign of Samudragupta.

Revision Table: Key Ancient Indian Inscriptions

Additional Information: Harishena and Samudragupta

Harishena was not just a poet; he held important positions in Samudragupta's court, including being a Mahadandanayaka (chief judicial officer) and Sandhivigrahika (minister for peace and war). This suggests that he was a trusted official with a deep understanding of the empire's administration and military campaigns, which is reflected in the detailed account provided in the Prayaga Prashasti.

The Prayaga Prashasti is considered a crucial source for reconstructing the political geography of India during Samudragupta's time and understanding the nature of the Gupta Empire's expansion.