📚 Part of: Ancient Indian History Mcqs: Rajtarangini & Varman Dynasty

Which princess of Varman dynasty is mentioned in the Rajtarangini of Kalhana?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Correct Answer: D) Amritprabha.

Exam Relevance: UPSC Civil Services, State PSC Exams, History Olympiads

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes:

The Rajtarangini is a historical chronicle of Kashmir written by Kalhana in the 12th century. It covers the history of Kashmir from the earliest times to the 12th century. The Varman dynasty was one of the ruling dynasties of Kashmir, and Amritprabha is mentioned as a princess of this dynasty in the Rajtarangini.

Common Mistakes:
  • Confusing Amritprabha with other princesses mentioned in the Rajtarangini.
  • Misremembering the name of the princess due to similar-sounding names.
  • Not being familiar with the Rajtarangini and its contents.
Explanation:

The Rajtarangini, written by Kalhana in the 12th century, is a significant historical chronicle that documents the history of Kashmir from ancient times to the 12th century. It is one of the most important sources for the history of Kashmir and provides valuable insights into the political, social, and cultural life of the region during the medieval period.

Kalhana, the author of the Rajtarangini, was a Kashmiri poet and historian who lived during the reign of King Jayasimha of Kashmir. He wrote the Rajtarangini in Sanskrit, and the work is divided into eight books, each covering a different period of Kashmir's history. The chronicle is known for its detailed accounts of the various dynasties that ruled Kashmir, including the Varman dynasty.

The Varman dynasty was one of the ruling dynasties of Kashmir, and it is mentioned in the Rajtarangini. Among the notable figures of this dynasty, Amritprabha is specifically mentioned as a princess. The name "Amritprabha" can be broken down into two parts: "Amrit," which means "nectar" or "elixir of life," and "Prabha," which means "light" or "radiance." The name symbolizes purity, royalty, and divine grace, which are often associated with princesses in ancient Indian literature and history.

The Rajtarangini provides a rich tapestry of historical information, including the names of various rulers, their achievements, and the social and cultural milieu of their times. It is an invaluable resource for historians and students of ancient Indian history, particularly the history of Kashmir. The mention of Amritprabha in the Rajtarangini highlights the importance of the Varman dynasty and the role of women in the political and social life of ancient Kashmir.

In conclusion, the correct answer to the question is Amritprabha, as she is the princess of the Varman dynasty mentioned in the Rajtarangini by Kalhana. This information is crucial for understanding the historical context and the significance of the Rajtarangini in the study of ancient Indian history, particularly the history of Kashmir.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Hemaprabha is not the correct answer. Hemaprabha is not mentioned in the Rajtarangini as a princess of the Varman dynasty. This option might be chosen due to confusion with other names mentioned in the chronicle or a similar-sounding name.
  • Option B: Meghaprabha is incorrect. Meghaprabha is not a princess of the Varman dynasty as per the Rajtarangini. This option might be chosen due to a similar-sounding name or confusion with other historical figures.
  • Option C: Urvashi is incorrect. Urvashi is a mythological figure and not a historical princess of the Varman dynasty. This option might be chosen due to confusion with mythological characters or a lack of familiarity with the Rajtarangini.
  • Option D: Amritprabha is the correct answer. Amritprabha is mentioned in the Rajtarangini as a princess of the Varman dynasty. This option is correct because it aligns with the historical records provided by Kalhana in his chronicle.

Mnemonic: A - Amritprabha, A for Amrit, the elixir of life, symbolizing royalty and purity.

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