Question

Arrange the literary sources in ascending chronological order:
A. Suttanipata
B. Sulvasutras
C. The Digha Nikaya
D. Harshacharita by Banabhatta
E. Narada Smriti

• A. B, A, C, D, E
• B. C, D, B, A, E
• C. B, C, A, E, D
• D. A, C, B, D, E

Hint:

Remember to consider the approximate dates of each text when arranging them in chronological order.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Concept
Understanding the historical context and dating of ancient literary works is crucial for studying their development over time.

Step 2: Meaning
The question asks to arrange a list of texts in ascending order based on when they were likely composed or first written down. This involves recognizing the approximate dates of each text.

Step 3: Analysis
Suttanipata: This is an early Buddhist text, believed to have been compiled around 500 BCE. Sulvasutras: These are ancient Indian texts on geometry and mathematics, dating from approximately 800 BCE to 200 CE. The Digha Nikaya: A collection of the Buddha's discourses, composed between 400 BCE and 100 CE. Harshacharita by Banabhatta: Written in the early 7th century CE, this text provides a biographical account of Emperor Harsha. Narada Smriti: A legal code from approximately the 5th to 6th centuries CE. By comparing these dates: 1. Suttanipata (500 BCE) is the earliest. 2. Sulvasutras follow, around 800 BCE to 200 CE. 3. The Digha Nikaya comes next, between 400 BCE and 100 CE. 4. Narada Smriti is from the 5th to 6th centuries CE. 5. Harshacharita by Banabhatta is the latest, in the early 7th century CE.

Step 4: Conclusion
The correct chronological order of these texts is Suttanipata, Sulvasutras, The Digha Nikaya, Narada Smriti, and finally Harshacharita by Banabhatta. Final Answer: (C)