Question

What were Prashatis?

Answer 1

Hint: It is writing carved into a stone or metal object, such as a gravestone or medal in which a speech or piece of writing praising someone or something, especially someone who has recently died or retired, or as a word of fondness. It usually included genealogies of the kings, accomplishments, similarities to legendary heroes, and other information.

Complete answer:
Prashatis -
- From the 6th century CE onwards, Indian emperors created eulogistic inscriptions known as Prashasti inscriptions. The prashastis were usually written by court poets in the form of poetry or elaborate prose.
- The prashastis usually included genealogies of the rulers (or other issuers subordinate to them), accomplishments (particularly military activity), similarities to mythical heroes, and other information.
- The subordinates' inscriptions frequently identified the rulers as divinity descendants and conferred titles and honours upon them.
- They were written by learned Brahmans in praise of the rulers, which may or may not be literally factual; but, they do reveal how kings at the period intended to portray themselves.
- Prashastis were poetry written in honour of their kings by court poets.
- Prashastis, a Sanskrit word that means "in praise of," are a specific type of inscription. Prashastis were composed by poets of the day and are colorful praises of monarchs and rulers.
- The main source of knowledge about him is a Prashasti written by his court poet Ravikirti.
- A Sanskrit poem penned by Harishena in honour of King Samudragupta is an example of prashasti. This poem was written 1700 years ago and is etched on Allahabad's Ashoka pillars.

Note: The Junagadh rock inscription of Rudradaman (about 150 CE) is one of the first known prashastic inscriptions in Sanskrit. It is the earliest extended inscription in reasonably standard Sanskrit that has survived into the modern period, and it served as a precedent for Gupta era poetic prashastis.