UPSC CDS 2016 (I)

Gupta Imperial Ideology

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Which one among the following was NOT an attribute of Samudragupta described in Prayag Prashasti?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept The Prayag Prashasti (Allahabad Pillar) is a panegyric composed by Harishena that portrays Samudragupta as the ideal 'universal monarch'—a warrior and a brilliant polymath.

Explanation Harishena describes Samudragupta as having a sharp intellect, being a talented poet (Kaviraja), and an accomplished musician (noted in coins playing the Veena). He is not described as a sculptor in this official record.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: The inscription focuses on intellectual and performance-based arts like music and poetry which were suitable for a royal persona.
Logic 2: Sculpting was traditionally considered a manual craft for artisans (karigars) rather than an attribute of a genius-king in Gupta panegyrics.

Active Recall

Question

What title did Harishena give to Samudragupta regarding his poetic skill?

Answer

Kaviraja (King of Poets).

Core Insight

The Prayag Prashasti serves to legitimize Samudragupta not just as a conqueror, but as the cultured center of a refined classical age.