The Brahmanas were commissioned to write
prashastis. These were accounts depicting the
qualities of the ruler. Often the ruler gave land to
the brahmanas. These land grants were recorded
in copper plate inscriptions. Most prashastis were
written in praise of the ruler. The only exception
is Kalhana. He composed a long poem throwing
light on the history of the kings of Kashmir. He
has given a critical account of the policies of the
rulers and their reign.
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ial Studies 7
Answers
Answer:
Prashastis, often written by learned Brahmanas, were details of the functioning of a king. They may not be literally true. They tell us how rulers wanted to depict themselves-as valiant, victorious warriors, etc. Brahmanas were rewarded by grants of land which were recorded on copper plates.
Prashastis and Land Grants
Prashastis are a special kind of inscription, meaning “in praise of”. They were composed by learned Brahmans in praise of the rulers, which may not be literally true; but, they tell us how rulers of that time wanted to illustrate themselves.
If the kings liked the prashastis, they gave land as gift to the Brahmans, with records of it on copper plates.
Kalhansa was a famous writer who wrote a long Sanskrit poem (Rajatarangini - "The River of Kings") on kings of Kashmir by using variety of sources,such as inscriptions, documents, eyewitness accounts, and earlier histories. He was usually critical about rulers and their policies.