Which of the following pairs are correctly matched ? (Inscripti

Which of the following pairs are correctly matched ?

(Inscription/Event)(Time Period)
1. Prayag Prashasti by Harishena4th century CE
2. Chinese traveller Fa Xian’s Account6th century CE
3. Mudrarakshasa of Vishakhadatta5th century CE
4. Harshacharita of Banabhatta6th century CE
5. Aihole Prashasti of Ravikirti7th century CE
6. Kavirajamarga of Amoghavarsha8th century CE

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1, 2 and 3 only
2, 3 and 4 only
4, 5 and 6 only
1, 3 and 5 only
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2023
Evaluating the time periods:
1. Prayag Prashasti by Harishena: Records the achievements of Samudragupta, who ruled the Gupta Empire in the 4th century CE (c. 335/350 โ€“ 380 CE). Correct.
2. Chinese traveller Fa Xian’s Account: Fa Xian visited India during the reign of Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) of the Gupta dynasty, arriving around 399 CE and leaving around 412 CE. This is late 4th to early 5th century CE, not 6th century CE. Incorrect.
3. Mudrarakshasa of Vishakhadatta: This Sanskrit play dealing with the rise of Chandragupta Maurya is generally dated to the Gupta period, often placed in the 4th or 5th century CE. 5th century CE is a plausible date. Correct.
4. Harshacharita of Banabhatta: Banabhatta was the court poet of King Harsha of the Pushyabhuti dynasty, who reigned from c. 606 to 647 CE. The work describes Harsha’s life and times in the 7th century CE, not 6th century CE. Incorrect.
5. Aihole Prashasti of Ravikirti: This inscription, composed by Ravikirti, describes the achievements of Chalukya king Pulakeshin II, including his victory over Harsha. Pulakeshin II reigned from c. 610 to 642 CE. The inscription belongs to the 7th century CE. Correct.
6. Kavirajamarga of Amoghavarsha: This is the earliest surviving literary work in Kannada and is attributed to the Rashtrakuta king Amoghavarsha I, who reigned from c. 814 to 878 CE. This is the 9th century CE, not 8th century CE. Incorrect.

The correctly matched pairs are 1, 3, and 5.

Matching historical sources, inscriptions, and literary works to their approximate time periods is crucial for understanding ancient Indian history. Key figures like Samudragupta, Chandragupta II, Harsha, and Pulakeshin II are associated with specific centuries, and the works about them or from their reigns reflect those periods.
Fa Xian’s account provides valuable information about India during the Gupta period, focusing on Buddhism and social conditions. The Aihole inscription is important for establishing the synchronicity between Harsha and Pulakeshin II. Kavirajamarga marks a significant point in the history of Kannada literature.