The Allahabad Pillar inscription is associated with which one of the following?
A
Mahapadma Nanda
B
Chandragupta Maurya
C
Ashoka
D
Samudragupta
Correct Answer: Option D
Explanation
1. The question asks which ruler is associated with the Allahabad Pillar inscription.
2. The Allahabad Pillar (Prayagraj Pillar) is famous for containing inscriptions from multiple rulers.
3. It originally contained inscriptions by Emperor Ashoka (3rd century BCE).
4. However, it is most famously associated with the 'Prayag Prashasti', a detailed eulogy of the Gupta emperor Samudragupta (4th century CE), composed by his court poet Harishena.
5. Inscriptions by the Mughal emperor Jahangir are also present.
6. Among the given options, while Ashoka's inscriptions are present, the pillar is most renowned in historical context for the extensive inscription detailing the conquests and virtues of Samudragupta.