Prashastis is a special kind of inscription meaning "in praise of". They were composed in praise of the rulers. An important example is a prashasti of Samudragupta. It is a poem in Sanskrit, composed by his court poet Harisena, nearly 1700 years ago. It is inscribed on the Ashokan pillar at Allahabad. The poet has praised the king in glowing terms. He is described as equal to God. It tells about his conquests. Most prashastis also mention the ancestors of the ruler. Samudragupta’s great grandfather, grandfather, father and mother are mentioned by Harisena in the prashasti.