The Allahabad pillar inscription from Samudragupta is a crucial epigraphic reference for exploring the political knowledge of Emperor Guptas. Written in a tribute manner and outstanding Sanskrit Language, it contains documentation of the inscription in both poetry and prose. Through its thirty-three organized lines, the author beautifully glorifies the successes of the Gupta ruler Samudragupta.
On the inscription pillar in Allahabad, Harishena, the official poet for Samudragupta, inscribed a lengthy poem about the King. Another significant official by the name of Tilabhattaka was also responsible for the inscription. For educational purposes, it is commonly referred to as Allahabad prasasti. (Prashasti is a kind of eulogy; it means “in praise of someone“).
It is remarkable for having later inscriptions attributable to the Gupta ruler Samudragupta (4th century CE). His diplomatic and armed forces success stories, significantly his southern expeditions, are mentioned in this compliment honoring them.
Notably, the Allahabad pillar is also known as an Ashoka Stambha, which is one of the pillars of Ashoka. He is the 3rd-century BCE’s emperor from Mauryan dynasty. Even though, it is one of the few preserved historic pillars displaying Ashokan rulings.
The Samudragupta inscription on the Allahabad Pillar is written in the simple yet magnificent Champu kavya form in Sanskrit. The limits of the Gupta Empire and Samudragupta’s victories are outlined in this inscription, which is a memorial to them.
Location:
In the Allahabad Fort in Allahabad which is now renamed Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, there stands a solitary carved pillar of sandstone known as the “Allahabad inscription Pillar.” The Allahabad pillar is also called Ashoka Stambha, which is one of the pillars of Mauryan emperor Ashoka.
It is noteworthy that the Ashokan Pillar in Kausambhi, close to Allahabad, is where the Allahabad Prasasti was originally engraved. It was afterward moved to Allahabad Fort.
History of The Guptas Mentioned in Allahabad Pillar Inscription:
The Allahabad pillar inscription from Samudragupta is a crucial epigraphic reference for exploring the political knowledge of the Gupta Emperors. Much of the knowledge about the geopolitical environment of that period comes from it, and it offers a unique perspective on the Gupta Empire and its neighbors.
Notably, the names and ancestors of the king are also mentioned in the inscription. Chandragupta (I) and Mahadevi Kumaradevi were his parents. Since Kumaradevi is described in the inscription as a princess of the Lichchhavis, Samudragupta is addressed as the Lichchhavi-dauhitra, or Lichchhavis’ grandson.
In addition to becoming the first Gupta emperor to mint coins, Chandragupta (I) was the first dynasty monarch to adopt the lofty-sounding title of maharajadhiraja. Inscriptionary evidence also indicates that the Gupta dynasty was ruled by two more individuals before Chandragupta I.
Ghatotkachagupta and Srigupta were their names. The grandfather and great-grandfather of Samudragupta were probably three in number. Under the lowly title of the maharaja, both rulers held power. With Ghatotkachagupta, Chandragupta (I), and Samudragupta after him, Srigupta was the ancestor of the Gupta dynasty. An era known as the Gupta era, which began in 319–320 CE according to historians, was established by Chandragupta I.
Regarding the chronology of the early Gupta rulers, scholars studying the history of the Imperial Guptas agree on the following dates: Srigupta reigned from 275 to 300 CE, Ghatotkacha reigned from 300 to 319–320 CE, Chandragupta (I) reigned from 320 to 335 CE, and Samudragupta reigned from 335 to 375 CE.
The location of the Gupta capital was known as Purusha or Purushapura, which has been compared to Pataliputra and associated with Kusumapura.
Inscription from the Ashoka Empire:
An essential part of translating the Brahmi Script was the inscriptions on the Ashoka Maurya-built Pillar in Allahabad. A more comprehensive understanding of the Mauryan Empire was made possible by these inscriptions.
The inscriptions from the Ashoka Empire that have survived are well-written, neat, and have consistent measurements.
The six rulings witnessed on the other pillars are repeated in the successive lines of the Brahmi inscription surrounding the column.
The Inscription from the Gupta Empire:
It is composed in the simple yet graceful Champu kavya form of Sanskrit.
A list of Samudragupta’s successes is presented. The borders of the Gupta Empire and Samudragupta’s conquests are stated in this inscription, which promotes Samudragupta.
The text claims that over five of the frontier states accepted and submitted to his authority. He remained in constant contact with the Southeast Asian provinces and the ruling family of Ceylon.
This inscription claims that Samudragupta reduced all of the Atavika kingdoms to vassal conditions by eliminating 9 rulers in the north and 12 rulers in the south.
Harissa additionally referred to him as Kaviraja, suggesting that he was a poet as well as an art patron. Samudragupta was also called Vikramanka.
Inscription from Jahangir:
The Mughal Jahangir’s lineage is traced in a Persian inscription from even further on. When he was still Shah Salim, Mir Abdullah Mushkin Qalam carved it just before he took the throne.
A major amount of the ancient Ashoka inscription was overwritten and “ruthlessly destroyed” by the Jahangir inscription, according to British Alexander Cunningham.
Archaeological Details About The Allahabad Pillar Inscription:
Every pillar that is built consists of four parts that are split into two halves. There are three capital portions in every piece. The lowest portions of the pillars are formed like a bell with a soft arch. It’s like petals from a lotus.
As we have previously noted, Asoka first built the pillar in Kausambi, which was later moved to Allahabad during the Middle Ages. The pillar is a monolith that is 10.75 meters tall and has a base diameter of 0.9 meters in length and a 0.7-meter-diameter apex. Based on the language and writing, the inscription is composed of chaste Sanskrit poetry or kavya.
Nine verses with varying meters are included. One is at the end and eight is in the introduction. Prose makes up the remainder of the inscription. It is noteworthy that the verses of the inscription are numbered as a result. This may be the first inscription with serial numbers anywhere.
In total, thirty-three lines are present. The characters in the record are thought to be later Brahmi script. However, some academics believe they are from Gupta script or an eastern variant of the Northern script.
Significance of Allahabad Pillar Inscription:
The historical significance of Allahabad Prasasti has been studied by both ancient and contemporary historians. The renowned Prasasti or Allahabad Pillar inscription offers an impressive list of the rulers and tribal republics that Samudragupta subjugated. The entirety of Samudragupta’s conquests is graphically recounted in Allahabad Prasasti.
Some experts claim that because the official author of Samudragupta, the Allahabad Prasasti, was written with his support, it may include some elaboration. The graceful and intellectual Sanskrit inscriptions on Allahabad Prasasti reflect the era’s upper-class sensibilities.
As Kausambhi has noted, Prakrit was full of modesty and a softhearted tone, whereas the Ashokan edicts were written in an informal manner. The pillar inscription in Allahabad, which reflected the gloriousness of the imperial Guptas, recorded the praise and Prasasti of a ruler in court language fit for the upper class and brimming with imperial perspective.
Conclusion:
In India, there are numerous pillars with irregular inscriptions; however, the Ashoka Pillar in Allahabad stands out due to its unique inscriptions and varied inscriptions that cover a broad range of topics. These represent a varied historical era spanning three centuries, with each subsequent inscription signifying a shift. It offers important insights into India’s millennium history. It is a priceless piece of Indian heritage.
As a result, the pillar has a long history of reusing and reinscription, generally by rulers who came after Ashoka. The Indian army has been occupying the location ever since the Allahabad fort was turned into a military installation, and access to the pillar is specified.