Part of: Jammu And Kashmir Gk set 16

The long poem containing the history of kings who ruled over Kashmir. It was composed by an author named .....

Category: Jammu And Kashmir Gk

Hint: Consider the historical context of Kashmir and the author known for chronicling its kings.

Correct Answer: B) Kalhana

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The Rajatarangini is a significant historical chronicle that provides a detailed account of the kings who ruled over Kashmir. It was composed by Kalhana, a 12th-century Kashmiri poet and historian. The Rajatarangini is written in Sanskrit and is divided into eight books, each covering a different period of Kashmir's history. The work is notable for its detailed and accurate accounts of the region's rulers, their reigns, and the political and social conditions of the time.

Kalhana's work is considered one of the earliest and most comprehensive historical chronicles in India. He relied on a variety of sources, including earlier chronicles, inscriptions, and oral traditions, to compile his account. The Rajatarangini is not only a valuable historical document but also a literary work, as it is written in a poetic style that makes it engaging and accessible to readers.

The Rajatarangini covers a vast period, starting from the earliest legendary kings of Kashmir and extending to the 12th century. It provides insights into the political, social, and cultural history of Kashmir, making it an essential resource for historians and scholars studying the region. Kalhana's work is particularly important because it offers a continuous narrative of Kashmir's history, which is rare for the period.

Understanding the significance of Kalhana and the Rajatarangini is crucial for anyone studying the history of Kashmir or Indian history in general. The chronicle provides a unique perspective on the region's past and is a testament to the rich literary and historical traditions of Kashmir.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Aryabhatta is a renowned Indian mathematician and astronomer, but he is not associated with the Rajatarangini or the history of Kashmir's kings.
  • Option B: Kalhana is the correct author of the Rajatarangini, a historical chronicle that details the history of the kings who ruled over Kashmir. He composed this work in the 12th century.
  • Option C: Nagabhata is a historical figure associated with the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty, not with the Rajatarangini or the history of Kashmir's kings.
  • Option D: Prashasti is a term used for eulogistic inscriptions or texts, but it is not the name of the author of the Rajatarangini.

Mnemonic: Rajatarangini: "River of Kings" by Kalhana

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