[Solved] Allahabad Pillar: Samudragupta and Prayag Prashasti

The Ashoka Pillar at Allahabad provides information about the reign of?

[U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2004]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

Ancient pillars often served as multi-dynastic 'public records', where later kings added their own inscriptions to claim continuity with past great empires.

Authentic Source Evidence

While originally an Ashokan pillar, the Allahabad Pillar is most famous for the 'Prayag Prashasti' (Eulogy of Prayag) composed by Harishena, the court poet of the Gupta Emperor Samudragupta. It provides a detailed account of his military conquests, titles like 'Kaviraja', and his policy toward defeated kings.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Although it is an 'Ashoka Pillar', the prompt asks which later ruler's reign is primarily documented through its added inscriptions.

Logic 2: The pillar serves as a palimpsest containing Ashokan edicts, Samudragupta's Sanskrit poetry, and later Persian inscriptions by Jahangir.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"Why is Samudragupta called 'Kaviraja' in the Allahabad inscription?"

Due to his mastery of composing verses and his patronage of the arts.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The Prayag Prashasti is one of the most vital historical sources for understanding the expansionist policy and personality of the 'Napoleon of India'."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Harishena 4 Kaviraja 6