Some Royal Poets of the Vakataka Age
Summary
Some Royal Poets of the Vakataka Age surveys how kings and nobles actively participated in literature during the Gupta and Vakataka periods. The essay begins by noting that the Gupta emperor Samudragupta received the title Kaviraja because of his poems, while Candragupta II Vikramaditya probably authored aphoristic verses found in Sanskrit anthologies. High officials like Harisena, who composed Samudragupta’s Allahabad prasasti, combined administrative duties with poetic talent. Turning to the Deccan, the article highlights the Vakataka ruler Pravarasena II, reputed author of the Prakrit epic Setubandha (Ravanavaho). Scholars disagree whether Kalidasa wrote the poem and ascribed it to Pravarasena at Vikramaditya’s behest, but the author favours Pravarasena’s authorship, citing genealogical ties to the Guptas and contemporaneous references by Rajasekhara. Setubandha is lauded by Daṇḍin, Bana and Ānandavardhana for its poetic richness, and Pravarasena is credited with verses in the Gāhā Sattasaī. The article also identifies Sarvasena, another Vakataka prince, as the composer of the Harivijaya and suggests that several poets whose names end in –sena—Jayasena, Makarandasena, Satyasena, Mallasena and Vasantasena—were likely members of the Vakataka family. Evidence from the Gāhā Sattasaī, inscriptions and commentaries indicates that the Vakataka court nurtured both Prakrit and Sanskrit literature. The author argues that while no Sanskrit mahākāvyas from this era have survived, the existence of the Vaidarbhi style praised by Daṇḍin and a Sanskrit verse cited in the Dhvanyāloka implies that such works once existed. The essay concludes that royal patronage in the Vakataka age was dynamic: kings and princes were not only sponsors but also creators of poetry. Their contributions, combined with those of court poets like Harisena, enriched the literary landscape of early India and invite further exploration of lost texts."
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Conclusion
The article concludes that royal patronage during the Vakataka era was not merely financial; rulers like Pravarasena II and Sarvasena actively composed Prakrit epics and verses. Officers such as Harisena balanced government service with poetry, illustrating the fusion of political and cultural roles. By analysing inscriptions, commentaries and anthologies, the author shows that the Vakataka court was a vibrant literary centre linked to Gupta traditions. Recognising these royal poets broadens our understanding of classical Indian literature and encourages the search for lost works.