[Solved] Information on Harsha in Kalhana's Rajatarangini

Information on Harsha in Kalhana's Rajatarangini

Information regarding the time of King Harsha is contained in the Rajatarangini, written by the historian Kalhana. This 12th-century Sanskrit chronicle is a major source for the history of Kashmir and Northern India.

Primary Reference: Standard Educational Reference

Archived: 1995

Updated: 6 Apr 2026

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

[UPPCS (Pre) 1995]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

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.

Authentic Source Evidence

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.

Analytical Breakdown

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.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"What is the primary subject of the Rajatarangini?"

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

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"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."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Sanskrit Chronicles 2Ancient Chronology 3