Hari Sen

Hari Sen was a prominent poet, courtier, and sandhi-vigrahaka (minister of peace and war) in the court of the Gupta emperor Samudragupta (c. 4th century CE). He is best known for composing the Prayag Prasasti (Allahabad Pillar Inscription), a panegyric that details Samudragupta's military achievements and conquests.

The Prayag Prasasti is a significant historical source for understanding the Gupta Empire's expansion and Samudragupta's reign. Written in Sanskrit using the champu style (a mix of prose and poetry), the inscription provides a detailed, albeit laudatory, account of Samudragupta's military campaigns across India. It describes his conquests of numerous kingdoms and tribes, his policy of annexation, and his overall military prowess.

Hari Sen's inscription also offers valuable insights into the political geography of ancient India during the Gupta period, identifying the names and locations of various rulers and territories conquered or influenced by Samudragupta. Beyond its historical value, the Prayag Prasasti is considered a significant work of Sanskrit literature, showcasing Hari Sen's mastery of language and poetic skill.

While the Prayag Prasasti is his most well-known work, details about Hari Sen's personal life and other accomplishments are scarce. The inscription itself is the primary source of information regarding his position and his role in composing the panegyric.