[Solved] Matching Ancient Rulers and Court Poets | Concept & Explanation

Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?

[U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1997]

Detailed Solution:

The correct answer is C.

Court poets (Rajakavi) were instrumental in creating 'Prashastis' (eulogies) that legitimized the ruler's power and documented their conquests.

Harisena was the court poet and minister of the Gupta Emperor Samudragupta. Emperor Harsha's court poet was Banabhatta.

Option C is Incorrect: Harisena is famous for the Prayag Prashasti (Allahabad Pillar Inscription), not for the Harsha era.

Correct Pairs: Ravi Kirti wrote the Aihole inscription for Pulakeshin II. Bhavabhuti served Yasovarman. Dandi was a scholar in the Pallava court.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"Who was Harsha's actual court poet?"

Banabhatta, who wrote the 'Harshacharita'.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The confusion between Harisena and Harsha's time highlights the similarity in courtly 'Prashasti' traditions across the Gupta and post-Gupta periods."

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