In early and early medieval India, the 'prashastis' (inscriptions in praise of kings) were usually composed by:

The "prashastis" (inscriptions composed in praise of kings) were usually composed by learned Brahmanas and court poets, who were skilled in Sanskrit.

What is a prashasti?

"Prashasti" is a Sanskrit word meaning "in praise of".

It is a special kind of inscription that describes the ruler and his ancestors in glowing terms.

It often mentions the king's genealogy, his victories, his qualities and his good deeds.

Prashastis were usually written in elaborate Sanskrit poetry.

They were inscribed on stone pillars, rocks and temple walls.

NCERT on prashastis:

• NCERT notes that prashastis were composed by learned Brahmanas, who helped the kings in their administration.
• It explains that the prashastis contain details that may not be literally true, but they tell us how rulers wanted to depict themselves: as valiant, victorious warriors.
• They were composed for kings, and sometimes for important officials.

Famous examples:

• The Allahabad Pillar Inscription (Prayaga Prashasti) of Samudragupta: composed by his court poet Harishena, in the 4th century CE.
• The Aihole inscription of the Chalukya king Pulakeshin II: composed by Ravikirti (634 CE).
• The Gwalior Prashasti of a powerful 9th-century king of north India.
• The Junagadh inscription of Rudradaman I (2nd century CE): one of the earliest long inscriptions in Sanskrit.

Importance for historians:

• Prashastis provide information about the genealogy of dynasties, the extent of their territories, and their wars.
• However, historians use them carefully, as they tend to exaggerate the achievements of the king and ignore his failures.

Other sources of early medieval history:

• Land grants, which recorded gifts of land to Brahmanas and temples.
• Literary works, such as the "Rajatarangini" of Kalhana.
• Accounts of foreign travellers.

Why not the other options?

• ✗Foreign travellers, merchants' guilds and village headmen did not compose prashastis.