Ravikirti
7th-century Jain monk, India
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Through Jainism, Deccan Plateau and Chalukya dynasty
Biography
Little is known about Ravikirti's personal life, but epigraphic evidence suggests he was a Jain monk (or at least a Jain scholar) and a court poet and spiritual guru of Pulakeshin II of the Chalukya dynasty of Vatapi. His title Kavi (poet) appears in the Aihole inscription where he describes himself in highly Sanskritic-language, praising his own literary skill.
Many historians consider Ravikirti to have been a Jain, based on the religious affiliations of many court poets of the Deccan at the time and the internal evidence of his praise for Jain ideals of learning. The Chalukya courts were known for their Jain patronage, and Jain monks and poets often composed royal inscriptions.
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Literary style
Ravikirti's composition in the Aihole inscription is regarded as one of the finest examples of Sanskrit epigraphic-poetry in early medieval India. The inscription is written in an elaborate Sanskrit kāvya-style, with intricate metaphors and courtly praise, while also serving as a record of historical events. Scholars note its careful balance of historical record and literary artistry. The Aihole inscription, dated to 634–635 CE, remains one of the most important sources for early Chalukya history and very early Deccan literary culture. It is praised for its artistic Sanskrit composition and serves as evidence of the level of literary culture at the Chalukya court.
Inscription
The nineteen lines of the inscription has been variously translated. The translation published by Kielhorn is as follows: