Consider the following statements from Kalhana's Rajatarangini: [CDS 2014 (I)] 1. The common people ate rice and Utpalasaka (a wild vegetable of bitter taste). 2. Harsha introduced into Kashmir a general dress befitting a king which included a long coat. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

A. Only 1
B. Only 2
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: Both 1 and 2

Option c is the correct answer. Statement 1 is correct: Kalhana's Rajatarangini is a Sanskrit verse chronicle of the kings of Kashmir, written in the 12th century CE. In Book VII, verse 1239, Kalhana describes the food habits of the common people during the reign of King Harsha (1089-1101 CE), who was a tyrant and oppressed his subjects. He says: "The common people ate rice mixed with Utpala-saka (a wild vegetable of bitter taste), which they had to gather in the forest; they had no other food." Statement 2 is correct: In Book VII, verse 1257, Kalhana mentions that Harsha introduced a new dress code for his subjects, which was meant to imitate his own royal attire. He says: "He introduced into Kashmir a general dress befitting a king; it consisted of a long coat reaching to the ankles, a turban with a crest, and shoes with upturned toes.

© 2025 upscools. All Rights Reserved.