Who is the author of the famous Allahabad Prasasti ?

The correct answer is - Harisena

Key Points

• Harisena
  • Harisena was a renowned poet and courtier of the Gupta Emperor Samudragupta.
  • He composed the Allahabad Prasasti, also known as the Allahabad Pillar Inscription, which provides valuable historical information about Samudragupta's reign.
  • The inscription is written in Sanskrit using the Brahmi script and is considered one of the most important sources of Gupta history.
  • It details Samudragupta's military conquests, administrative policies, and patronage of art and culture.

Additional Information

• Key Features of the Allahabad Prasasti
  • The inscription is engraved on the Allahabad Pillar, originally erected by Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya dynasty.
  • It is divided into three sections, with the portion attributed to Harisena glorifying Samudragupta's accomplishments.
  • It provides an account of Samudragupta's Digvijaya (military campaigns), listing the kingdoms he defeated and rulers he subjugated.
• Gupta Empire's Legacy
  • The Gupta period is often referred to as the Golden Age of India due to its advancements in art, science, literature, and governance.
  • Harisena's Allahabad Prasasti reflects the cultural and political zenith of the Gupta Empire.
• Other Notable Inscriptions
  • Besides the Allahabad Prasasti, inscriptions like the Mehrauli Iron Pillar Inscription also highlight the achievements of Gupta rulers.
  • These inscriptions serve as primary historical sources for understanding ancient Indian history.