Who wrote Samudragupta's prashasti (a eulogy written in the form of poetry or prose, usually by court poets) at Allahabad?
Harishena
Understanding Samudragupta's Allahabad Prashasti
The question asks about the author of the Samudragupta's prashasti located at Allahabad. A prashasti is a special kind of inscription, typically a eulogy, praising rulers and detailing their achievements. These were often composed by court poets and provide valuable historical information.
Identifying the Author of the Allahabad Prashasti
Samudragupta, a powerful ruler of the Gupta dynasty, had a famous prashasti inscribed on the Ashokan pillar at Allahabad (Prayagraj). This inscription is written in Sanskrit and is a key source for understanding Samudragupta's reign, his military campaigns, and his administrative policies.
The author credited with composing this significant historical document is Harishena.
Harishena and the Gupta Court
Harishena was a key figure in Samudragupta's court. He held important titles, including Sandhivigrahika (minister for peace and war), Kumarāmatya (a high-ranking minister), and Mahādandanāyaka (chief judicial officer). His role as a court poet allowed him to document the king's glories in the form of the prashasti.
Analysis of the Options
- Kalidasa: A renowned classical Sanskrit writer and poet, generally associated with the court of Chandragupta II (Samudragupta's successor). While famous, he did not write Samudragupta's Allahabad prashasti.
- Vagabhatta: A notable figure in Indian medicine (Ayurveda), known for works like Ashtanga Hridayam. Not associated with composing historical prashastis for rulers.
- Harishena: The correct author of the Samudragupta's Allahabad prashasti.
- Amarsimha: A Sanskrit lexicographer, author of the Amarakosha, usually associated with the court of Chandragupta II. Not the author of this prashasti.
Therefore, the author of Samudragupta's prashasti at Allahabad is Harishena.
Significance of the Allahabad Prashasti
The Allahabad prashasti provides a detailed account of Samudragupta's conquests across various regions of India, listing the kings he defeated and his relationship with different states. It also gives insights into the political geography of the time and the administrative structure of the Gupta Empire.
| Figure | Association | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Samudragupta | Gupta Dynasty King | Subject of the Prashasti |
| Harishena | Samudragupta's Court | Authored the Allahabad Prashasti |
| Kalidasa | Gupta Period (likely Chandragupta II) | Famous Poet & Playwright |
| Vagabhatta | Ayurveda | Medical Scholar |
| Amarsimha | Gupta Period (likely Chandragupta II) | Lexicographer |
Revision Table: Samudragupta's Prashasti
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Ruler Praised | Samudragupta |
| Author | Harishena |
| Location | Allahabad (Prayagraj) on Ashokan Pillar |
| Type of Text | Prashasti (Eulogy/Poetry) |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| Historical Significance | Details Samudragupta's conquests and reign |
Additional Information: Gupta Period Literature and Inscriptions
The Gupta period is often referred to as the "Golden Age" of ancient India, known for advancements in arts, science, and literature. Royal inscriptions like prashastis were common ways to legitimize rule and document achievements. While Harishena's prashasti for Samudragupta is particularly famous, other rulers also commissioned such texts.
This era produced many great literary figures. While Harishena excelled in composing courtly eulogies and held administrative positions, other poets like Kalidasa focused on drama and poetry on various themes. Understanding these historical documents and their authors helps piece together the history and culture of ancient India.
Important Questions from Gupta Age
Which one of the following was composed by Harishena?
The last recognised king of the Gupta kingdom was _______.
When did the Vikrama Era begin?
Who among the following rulers is called the ‘Napoleon of India’?
Name the state Chandragupta-I got in dowry from the Lichhavis.
