Whose achievements are recorded in the Allahabad Pillar inscription?
VerifiedAnswer: Samudra Gupta
Explanation:
The Allahabad Pillar inscription is one of the most important historical documents from ancient India that records the remarkable achievements of Emperor Samudra Gupta, who ruled during the 4th century CE. This inscription was composed by Harishena, the court poet of Samudra Gupta, and provides detailed information about the emperor's military conquests and administrative policies.
The Allahabad Pillar, originally erected by Emperor Ashoka, was later used by the Gupta rulers to inscribe their own records. The inscription about Samudra Gupta is written in Sanskrit using the Brahmi script and covers 33 lines of text. It presents a comprehensive account of his military campaigns and territorial expansions across northern and southern India.
According to the inscription, Samudra Gupta conquered numerous kingdoms and established Gupta supremacy over a vast territory. The document mentions his victories over various rulers in Aryavarta (northern India) and his successful campaigns in Dakshinapatha (southern India). It describes how he defeated, captured, and later released several southern kings after they acknowledged his sovereignty.
The inscription also highlights Samudra Gupta's diplomatic relationships with neighboring territories. It mentions that rulers from various regions, including frontier kingdoms, tribal chiefs, and even foreign powers, paid tribute to him and acknowledged his authority. This demonstrates the extensive influence of the Gupta Empire during his reign.
Beyond military achievements, the Allahabad Pillar inscription portrays Samudra Gupta as a patron of arts and literature. It describes him as an accomplished musician and poet, earning him the title of "Kaviraja" (king of poets). The inscription emphasizes his support for learning, culture, and religious tolerance, which contributed to the golden age of Indian civilization during the Gupta period.
This historical document serves as a primary source for understanding the political, social, and cultural aspects of 4th-century India. It provides valuable insights into Gupta administration, military strategies, and the extent of their empire. The inscription's detailed account has helped historians reconstruct the geography and political landscape of ancient India during Samudra Gupta's reign.
