Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 315

He was called Sri Mriganka, and Banabhatta describes him as powerful monarch. Also Bana gave him the title of Maharadhiraja.

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the historical context and the titles given by Banabhatta.

Correct Answer: D) Susthita Varman.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Civil Services, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

In the context of Indian history, Banabhatta is a significant figure known for his literary works, particularly "Harshacharita," which is a biography of King Harshavardhana, and "Kadambari," a novel. Banabhatta lived during the 7th century CE and was a court poet and prose writer in the court of Harshavardhana. His works provide valuable insights into the political and social conditions of that era.

One of the monarchs described by Banabhatta is Susthita Varman, who was a powerful ruler and was given the title of Maharadhiraja. The term "Maharadhiraja" translates to "Great King of Kings" and was a title used to denote a monarch of great power and influence. Susthita Varman was also known by the name Sri Mriganka, which means "Lord of the Deer," possibly indicating his prowess as a hunter or his association with deer in some context.

The identification of historical figures based on their titles and descriptions is a common theme in competitive examinations, especially those related to Indian history and culture. Banabhatta's works are a rich source of information about the monarchs of his time, and understanding the context and significance of the titles and names he used is crucial for correctly identifying these figures.

It is important to note that Banabhatta's works are not only literary masterpieces but also historical documents that provide valuable information about the political landscape of ancient India. The titles and descriptions he used for various monarchs are significant in understanding the hierarchy and power dynamics of the time. In this case, the title Maharadhiraja and the name Sri Mriganka are specific to Susthita Varman, making him the correct answer to the question.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Bhaskar Varman was a king of Kamarupa, but he is not described as Sri Mriganka or given the title Maharadhiraja by Banabhatta. This option is incorrect.
  • Option B: Mahendra Varman was a Pallava king, and while he was a powerful monarch, he is not associated with the title Maharadhiraja or the name Sri Mriganka as described by Banabhatta. This option is incorrect.
  • Option C: Sthita Varman is not a well-known historical figure associated with the title Maharadhiraja or the name Sri Mriganka. This option is incorrect.
  • Option D: Susthita Varman is the correct answer. Banabhatta, in his works, describes Susthita Varman as a powerful monarch and gives him the title of Maharadhiraja, and he is also known as Sri Mriganka.

Mnemonic: Sri Mriganka, Maharadhiraja, Susthita

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