Question

Who among the following has written the Rajtarangini which was the metrical legendary and historical chronicle of the northwestern Indian subcontinent?
A. Megasthenes
B. Kalhana
C. Al-Biruni
D. Herodotus

Answer 1

Hint: Since ancient times various historical records and pieces of literature have been written by various authors and poets. These poets and authors were patronised by the kings and the rulers for whom they worked and most of the poems and literature revolved around the life of the king or the social, economic and political conditions of that time.

Complete answer: The metrical legendary and historical chronicle of the north-western Indian subcontinent, that is Rajatarangini was written by Kalhan. Kalhan was a Kashmiri author. He belonged to Kashmir and route plaster Rajatarangini for the purpose of recording history and therefore he recorded the history of Kashmiri rulers and dynasty. He started writing this book in 1148 CE and completed it in 1149 CE. The book Rajatarangini is written in the Sanskrit language. The book explains and records the legends of the rulers of Kashmir. Literature has always played a very important role in determining the various aspects associated with the life of people in the past and therefore recording of history special in written format is very essential for future generations. Kalhan became the first person to undertake this activity of recording history. Al-Biruni, Megasthanese and Herodotus were also major authors but did not write as a historian.
Therefore, option B is correct.

Note: Kalhan is referred to as the first historian of India as he decided to write the history of Kashmir for the purpose of recording the history and therefore he wrote Rajatarangini. He is considered as one of the most significant authors of India till date.