Meaning of the term Prashasti used during Mauryan Empire
Prashasti is a Sanskrit term that was used during the Mauryan Empire to refer to a eulogistic inscription or a panegyric. It was a form of written praise or honor that was conferred upon kings, their ministers, and other notable personalities.
Prashastis were usually inscribed on pillars, rocks, or other permanent structures and were written in Sanskrit, the language of the elite at the time. They were typically composed by learned scholars and poets who were well-versed in the art of writing eulogies.
The Mauryan Emperor Ashoka was particularly known for commissioning numerous prashastis, which were inscribed on pillars and rocks throughout his empire. These inscriptions served a dual purpose: they were intended to celebrate the emperor’s achievements and virtues, as well as to propagate his message of nonviolence, religious tolerance, and social welfare.
Prashastis were an important means of propagating political and social ideals during the Mauryan Empire. They were used to promote the king’s authority, spread his message, and cement his place in history.