Gupta Epigraphy
Samudragupta and the Allahabad Pillar Inscription
The Ashoka Pillar at Allahabad provides detailed information about the reign of Samudragupta through the Prayag Prashasti inscription, which was composed by his court poet Harishena.
Primary Reference: NCERT Class XII - Themes in Indian History Part 1
Archived:
Updated:
Exam Year
2004
Evidence Source
Link ↗The Ashoka Pillar at Allahabad provides information about the reign of:
[U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2004]
Detailed Solution & Historical Context
Concept
Monuments in ancient India often served as palimpsests, where subsequent rulers added their own records to existing structures to borrow the legitimacy of their predecessors.
Authentic Source Evidence
While the pillar originally carried Ashoka's edicts, the court poet Harishena added the Prayag Prashasti (Allahabad Pillar Inscription) during the reign of Samudragupta. This text details his military genius, title of 'Kaviraja', and tolerance.
Analytical Breakdown
Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic
"Why is Samudragupta called 'Kaviraja' in the Allahabad Pillar?"
He was given the title 'Kaviraja' (King of Poets) because of his great skill in composing Sanskrit verses.
Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip
"The presence of Ashoka, Samudragupta, and Jahangir on the same pillar symbolizes the continuity of imperial authority in North India across two millennia."
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