Question 7 of 10intermediate🔍 AnalyzeEssay3 marks

Why do you think kings chose to proclaim their achievements in the form of inscriptions?

Correct Answer

Kings chose inscriptions to proclaim their achievements for several important reasons.

(1) Permanence — inscriptions on stone or metal last for centuries, ensuring the king's legacy endures beyond his lifetime.

(2) Public visibility — pillars and rocks placed in prominent locations allowed maximum people to see and read about the king's accomplishments.

(3) Legitimacy — recording victories and good governance established the king's rightful claim to power.

(4) Authority — inscriptions demonstrated the king's wealth and power to commission such monuments.

(5) Historical record — inscriptions like the prayāga praśasti served as official records of conquests, alliances, and administrative decisions.

(6) Religious merit — many inscriptions were dedicated to deities, earning spiritual merit.

(7) Intimidation — proclaiming military victories warned potential enemies of the king's might.

Exercise: THINK ABOUT IT | Q: THINK ABOUT IT | (Page Page 6)
For More Understanding

Explanation

The chapter discusses the prayāga praśasti, a pillar inscription praising Samudragupta's achievements, written by court poet Harisena. The Iron Pillar inscription also celebrates Chandragupta II's achievements. These examples illustrate how inscriptions served multiple purposes: recording history, legitimizing rule, and creating lasting monuments to royal power. The chapter notes that land grants were 'carefully inscribed on copper plates to keep accurate records.'

Solution Steps

  1. Permanence — inscriptions on stone or metal last for centuries, ensuring the king's legacy endures beyond his lifetime

  2. Public visibility — pillars and rocks placed in prominent locations allowed maximum people to see and read about the king's accomplishments

  3. Legitimacy — recording victories and good governance established the king's rightful claim to power

  4. Authority — inscriptions demonstrated the king's wealth and power to commission such monuments

  5. Historical record — inscriptions like the prayāga praśasti served as official records of conquests, alliances, and administrative decisions

  6. Religious merit — many inscriptions were dedicated to deities, earning spiritual merit

  7. Intimidation — proclaiming military victories warned potential enemies of the king's might

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