Rajataranagini, the book authored by Kalhana in 12th Century was originally written in which of the following languages?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 3 i.e. Sanskrit.
- Rajataranagini, the book authored by Kalhana in the 12th Century, was originally written in the Sanskrit language.
- Rajatarangini, written by Kalhana in the 12th century, is regarded as the most important historical source for understanding medieval Kashmir. The chronicle contains 7,826 Sanskrit verses, divided into eight sections known as Tarangas.
- Kalhana was the son of Champaka, who served as a minister in the court of King Harsha of Kashmir. Drawing from various earlier records, inscriptions, and oral traditions, Kalhana’s work presents a detailed account of the administrative, social, political, and economic conditions of the time.
- The Rajatarangini also provides vivid descriptions of misgovernance and corruption during the rule of King Kalasha, son of Ananta Deva, highlighting the decline of moral and political order in Kashmir.
- Later, this important historical work was translated into Persian by Zain-ul-Abidin, a 15th-century ruler of Kashmir known for his promotion of art, culture, and scholarship.