Can we rely on prashastis only which have been written during the medi...
Limitations of relying on prashastis in medieval Indian history:
Prashastis, or eulogistic inscriptions, provide valuable insights into the political, social, and cultural aspects of medieval India. However, relying solely on prashastis to understand India during that period has several limitations:
Lack of Diversity:
- Prashastis were typically commissioned by rulers or elites, leading to a biased perspective that may not accurately represent the diversity of society.
- The voices of marginalized groups such as peasants, women, and lower castes are often missing in prashastis.
Propaganda and Exaggeration:
- Prashastis were often used as a tool for propaganda to glorify rulers and their achievements.
- They may exaggerate the accomplishments of rulers while downplaying their failures or shortcomings.
Selective Representation:
- Prashastis tend to focus on specific aspects like military conquests, temple constructions, or patronage of arts, neglecting other important facets of society.
- They may not provide a holistic view of the challenges and complexities of the time.
Historical Context:
- Prashastis need to be analyzed in conjunction with other historical sources like inscriptions, chronicles, and archaeological evidence for a more comprehensive understanding.
- Relying solely on prashastis may lead to a skewed interpretation of historical events.
Conclusion:
While prashastis offer valuable insights into medieval Indian history, it is essential to approach them critically and supplement their information with other sources to gain a more nuanced and balanced understanding of the period.
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