Ancient Indian Colonization in South-East Asia c10.13

c10.13

The inscriptions show by their general tenor a high proficiency in different branches of Sanskrit literature—not only what is known as *belles-letters* but also various technical branches of that literature. We have specific references to Pravarasena and Mayūra as the authors respectively of *Setubandha* and *Sūrya-śataka*, and to Guṇāḍhya, the great writer in Prākṛit, with allusion to the legend about him contained in *Kathāsaritsāgara*. Although the name of Kālidāsa is not mentioned, the Pre Rup inscription (No. 97) contains four verses (164, 199, 211, 290) which contain definite allusions to *Raghuvamśa*, repeating sometimes the very words used by the poet. Similar allusions occur in several other records. An inscription of Yaśo-varman (No. 64) alludes to Bhāravi, and also to Śūra as having triumphed over a rival named Bhīmaka. A new *Kāvya* named *Mano-hara* seems to be referred to in Pre Rup inscription (No. 97).