UPPCS (Pre) 1995

Ancient Historiography

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Information regarding time of Harsha is contained in the book of:

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept Historical chronicles written in later centuries often rely on and preserve details about earlier imperial figures through their genealogies and narratives of regional influence.

Explanation Information regarding Harsha is found in the Rajatarangini, authored by the Kashmiri poet Kalhana in the 12th century. It is regarded as one of India's earliest and most reliable historical chronicles.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: *Rajatarangini* records the genealogy and events of Northern India, including the rise and fall of Harsha and the Guptas.
Logic 2: Kalhana’s work is uniquely scientific for its time, citing sources and inscriptions to verify history.
Logic 3: Distractors like Harisena (Samudragupta's poet) and Kalidasa (Chandragupta II's poet) belong to earlier Gupta eras and do not cover Harsha's 7th-century reign.

Active Recall

Question

What is the primary subject of the Rajatarangini?

Answer

It is a chronological history of the kings of Kashmir from mythical origins to the 12th century CE.

Core Insight

The Rajatarangini's mention of Harsha confirms that Harsha's influence was significant enough to be recorded in the far reaches of the Himalayan history of Kashmir.