Question map
Which one of the following inscriptions mentions Pulakesin II's military success against Harshavardhana ?
Explanation
The Aihole Inscription is the primary epigraphic source that records the military success of the Chalukya King Pulakesin II against the Pushyabhuti ruler Harshavardhana [t1, t3]. Composed in Sanskrit by the court poet Ravikirti in 634-35 A.D., this prashasti (eulogy) is located at the Meguti Jain temple in Aihole [t1, t5]. It describes how Pulakesin II 'humbled' Harsha on the banks of the River Narmada, preventing his southward expansion into the Deccan [c2, t4]. Following this victory, Pulakesin II assumed the title of 'Parameswara' [c2]. In contrast, the Allahabad Pillar Inscription (Prayag Prasasti) details the achievements of the Gupta Emperor Samudragupta [c1, t8], while the Bilsad and Damodarpur inscriptions are associated with the Gupta period and land grants rather than Chalukyan military exploits [t3].
Sources
- [1] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 8: Harsha and Rise of Regional Kingdoms > Pulikesin II, the Chalukya King > p. 106
- [2] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 7: The Guptas > II. Epigraphical Sources > p. 89