Prashasti
Prashasti is a Sanskrit word that translates to "praise" or "eulogy." In a historical and literary context, it refers to a type of inscription or a poetic composition that extols the virtues, achievements, and lineage of a ruler or a significant person. These texts were often engraved on stone, metal plates, or written in manuscripts and served as official records and propaganda.
The earliest forms of prashasti can be found in ancient Indian inscriptions, such as the Hathigumpha inscription
Prashastis typically begin with a eulogy of the patron, often tracing their ancestry back to legendary figures