Question

Arrange the following books in chronological order. \[ \begin{aligned} A.& \ \text{Gaudavaho} B.& \ \text{Harsha Charita} C.& \ \text{Buddha Charita} D.& \ \text{Vikramankadevacharita} \end{aligned} \] Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

• A. A, B, C and D
• B. D, B, C and A
• C. B, A, D and C
• D. C, B, A and D

Hint:

Remember: \[ \text{Buddha Charita} \rightarrow \text{Harsha Charita} \rightarrow \text{Gaudavaho} \rightarrow \text{Vikramankadevacharita} \] Banabhatta wrote Harsha Charita.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept: Ancient Indian literary works are important historical sources. Many texts were written by court poets and scholars to glorify rulers and describe political events. Chronological arrangement of books requires knowledge of:
• authors,
• ruling dynasties,
• and approximate historical periods.

Step 1: Identifying the earliest text. \[ \text{Buddha Charita} \] This text was written by Ashvaghosha around the early centuries CE. It is a biographical work on Gautama Buddha. Thus: \[ C = \text{First position} \]

Step 2: Finding the next work chronologically. \[ \text{Harsha Charita} \] This was written by Banabhatta in the court of Harsha during the seventh century CE. Thus: \[ B = \text{Second position} \]

Step 3: Identifying the next literary work. \[ \text{Gaudavaho} \] This Prakrit text was composed by Vakpati in the eighth century CE. Thus: \[ A = \text{Third position} \]

Step 4: Determining the latest text. \[ \text{Vikramankadevacharita} \] This work was written by Bilhana in the eleventh century CE in praise of Chalukya ruler Vikramaditya VI. Thus: \[ D = \text{Fourth position} \]

Step 5: Writing the complete chronological order. Therefore: \[ \boxed{C \rightarrow B \rightarrow A \rightarrow D} \] Hence, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{(4)\ C, B, A \text{ and } D} \]

Step 6: Historical importance of literary works. Such texts provide information regarding:
• dynasties,
• administration,
• social life,
• religion,
• and political achievements. However, historians also critically examine exaggerations present in court literature.