upscools
Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre.) 2021

Early Medieval Historiography

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

A historical work 'Gaudavaho' like Kalhana's 'Rajatarangini' was written by:

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept Historical biographies in ancient India often blended panegyric (praise) with actual military records, serving as a primary source for regional dynasties.

Explanation Gaudavaho was written by Vakpati in the 8th century. It is a long poem in Prakrit dedicated to King Yashovarman of Kannauj.

Logical Breakup
Option B is Correct: It narrates the 'Slaughter of the Gauda' (Gaudavaho) king and the world-conquest (Digvijaya) of Yashovarman.
Nuance: Like Rajatarangini, it provides a window into political geography, although it is more stylized and mythological in its descriptions.

Active Recall

Question

In what language is the Gaudavaho composed?

Answer

It is composed in Prakrit, which was often used for artistic epics alongside Sanskrit.

Core Insight

Vakpati’s work demonstrates that Prakrit remained a vibrant language for state-sponsored historical literature well into the medieval transition.

Practice Navigation