Who among the following Rajput rulers is known to have written a book on music?
U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2007
A. Jayachandra Gahadavala
B. Prithviraj Chauhan
C. Rana Kumbha
D. Man Singh
Answer: Rana Kumbha
Option c is the correct answer.
Rana Kumbha was the ruler of Mewar kingdom of western India. He belonged to the Sisodia clan of Rajputs. He was a good veena player. He patronized musicians as well as artists in his court. He wrote a commentary on Gita Govinda of Jaidev and an explanation on Chandisatkam. He also wrote a treatise on music called
Sangeet Raj
Sangeet Mimansa
Sangeet Ratnakar
Shudprabandha
In his reign, the scholars Atri and his son Mahesa wrote Prashashti on Kirti Stambha.
Important Tips
Rana Kumbha was the author of four dramas in which he used Sanskrit, Prakrit and local Rajasthani dialects. The dramas written are:
Ratnavali, a romantic comedy
Svapnavasavadatta, a historical play based on a Sanskrit play by Bhasa
Angulimala, a Buddhist play based on the story of a bandit who becomes a monk
Priyamvada, a play about a courtesan