King Harsa and Aihole Inscription
Summary
The Aihole inscription of the Calukya King Pulakesin II (c. 610–642 CE) contains a verse (Verse 23, line 11) that has sparked scholarly debate regarding its reference to King Harsa (Harshavardhana of Kanauj. The verse, translated by Prof. Kielhorn, describes a king whose "lotus feet were arrayed with the rays of the jewels of the diadems of hosts of feudatories," whose "mirth melted away by fear" due to the repulsion of his "rows of lordly elephants fallen in battle." This is widely interpreted as referencing Pulakesin II's defeat of Harshavardhana in 618 CE. However, Prof. Dubreuil contested this, asserting the inscription does not mention Harshavardhana and questioning the interpretation. The text notes that Dubreuil's reasoning remains unclear, as the verse strongly suggests a reference to Harsa, and calls for further scholarly clarification or publication of his alternative interpretation. The debate highlights differing views on whether the inscription explicitly links to Harshavardhana's military defeat.
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Conclusion
The Aihole inscription of Pulakesin II presents a pivotal moment in understanding the dynamics between the Chalukya kingdom and Harshavardhana of Kanauj. While Prof. Kielhorn's interpretation links the verse to Pulakesin's repulsion of Harsha, Prof. Dubreuil's dissent highlights a critical scholarly divide. The inscription's ambiguity—whether it truly references Harshavardhana or symbolizes a generic foe—underscores the challenges of deciphering historical intent from poetic epigraphy. This debate not only illuminates the military and political contours of early medieval India but also reflects the complexities of interpreting Sanskrit verse, where literary symbolism and historical fact intertwine. The inscription thus remains a testament to the interplay of power and perception, inviting further scrutiny to resolve its enigmatic layers.