[Solved] Who wrote Prithviraja Vijaya? | Jayanaka Poet

Who is the author of 'Prithviraja Vijaya'?

[R.A.S./R.T.S. Prelims 2012]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

While Prithviraj Raso is the most famous work on the king, Prithviraja Vijaya is a contemporary Sanskrit epic that provides a more historically grounded (though still eulogistic) account of his reign.

Authentic Source Evidence

Jayanaka, a Kashmiri poet in the court of Prithviraja III, wrote the Prithviraja Vijaya around 1191–1192 CE. It focuses on the ancestry and victories of the Chahamana ruler.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Option C is correct. Jayanaka’s work is considered more reliable than later epics as it was composed during the king's lifetime.

Logic 2: Chand Bardai (A) wrote the Prithviraj Raso in Brajbhasa/Rajasthani. Nayanchand Suri (D) wrote the Hammira Mahakavya in the 15th century.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"How does Prithviraja Vijaya differ from Prithviraj Raso?"

Prithviraja Vijaya is a contemporary Sanskrit work, whereas Prithviraj Raso is a later heroic ballad written in the vernacular with many legendary additions.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"Jayanaka's work is vital for tracing the lineage of the Chauhan dynasty and understanding the political atmosphere of North India before the Ghorid conquest."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Prithviraj Chauhan 5 Sanskrit Epics 2 Court Poets 2

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