Ancient Indian Historiography

Who wrote Harshacharita? Banabhatta's Legacy

The 'Harshacharita', a biography of the Emperor Harshavardhana, was written by his court poet Banabhatta.

Primary Reference: NCERT Class XII - Themes in Indian History Part I

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Who has written the 'Harshacharita'?

[47th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2005]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept


The Harshacharita is the first historical biography in Sanskrit, blending poetic narrative with factual accounts of a reigning monarch's life.

Authentic Source Evidence


Banabhatta (7th century CE) was the court poet (Asthana Kavi) of Emperor Harshavardhana. He authored the Harshacharita to chronicle Harsha’s rise to power.

Analytical Breakdown


  • Option B is Correct: Banabhatta's ornate prose style is a hallmark of classical Sanskrit 'Kavya'.

  • Nuance: He also authored Kadambari, one of the world's earliest novels.

  • Others: Aryabhatta was a mathematician; Vishnugupta is another name for Chanakya.
  • Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

    "What is the literary significance of Harshacharita?"

    It established the 'Charita' (biography) genre in Sanskrit, serving as a primary historical source for 7th-century India.

    Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

    "Banabhatta’s work reflects the transition from purely religious texts to secular royal panegyrics in the post-Gupta period."

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