Examkin

Question

Difficulty: EasyAncient Indian Civilizations and Early Empires

Who among the following Gupta rulers earned the title 'Kaviraja' due to his patronage of art and his personal proficiency in playing the Veena?

  1. SamudraguptaAnswer
  2. B
    Chandragupta II
  3. C
    Kumaragupta I
  4. D
    Skandagupta

Answer

Samudragupta
Samudragupta, one of the most prominent rulers of the Gupta Dynasty, was a great patron of learning, art, and music. In the Allahabad Pillar inscription (Prayag Prashasti), composed by his court poet Harishena, he is described as 'Kaviraja' (King of Poets). Furthermore, gold coins from his reign depict him seated on a couch playing the Veena, confirming his personal musical accomplishments.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the historical context of royal titles and coinage in the Gupta Empire.
The ruler depicted on gold coins playing the lute (Veena) and praised in the Prayag Prashasti (Allahabad Pillar inscription) composed by Harishena is Samudragupta.
Harishena explicitly mentions Samudragupta's poetic title 'Kaviraja' due to his mastery over music and Sanskrit literature.

Key Concept

Gupta Empire Cultural Patronage and Royal Titles
Rate this question

Topics

Ancient Indian Civilizations and Early Empires

More questions from this topic