Question

Rajtarangini, a book on the history of Kashmir, was written in the 12th century by _______
A) Al Bruni
B) Kalhana
C) Banabhata
D) None of these

Answer 1

Hint: The Rajataringini is the first source on Kashmir that may be considered a "historical" text on the subject. The author was unlike the other Prashastis writers in that he was often critical of kings and their policies.

Complete answer:
Rajtarangini – Rajatarangini is a metrical legend and historical record of the Indian subcontinent's northwestern region, particularly the monarchs of Kashmir. In the 12th century CE, Kashmiri historian Kalhana wrote it in Sanskrit. The work is broken into eight books named Tarangas and has 7826 verses.

Now let us analyze the given options:
Option A) Al beruni: Al-Biruni was a writer who focused on modern culture, traditions, and customs. Taqiq ma l'l-Hind (“al-India ''), Biruni's commonly known as “Indica,” is a text about Indian philosophy and religion. Hence, this option is incorrect.
Option B) Kalhana: Kalhana wrote Rajtarangini, a book about Kashmir's history, in the 12th century. He has stated that he wrote this book by rigorously scrutinizing a variety of materials, including inscriptions, coins, old monument ruins, dynastic documents, and local legends. Hence, this option is correct.
Option C) Banabhata: The Harshacharita (The acts of Harsha) is a biography of Indian ruler Harsha written by Banabhatta, commonly known as Bana, a seventh-century CE Sanskrit writer. Hence, this option is incorrect.
Option D) None of these: As we already know, Option B. Kalhana is the correct answer. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Therefore, Option ‘B’ i.e, Kalhana is the correct answer because Rajtarangini, a book on the history of Kashmir, was written by Kalhana in the 12th century.

Note: Kalhana was the son of Chanpaka, a Kashmiri official who most likely served the Lohara dynasty's ruler Harsa. The introductory lyrics to each of Rajatarangini's eight Books begin with petitions to Shiva, a Hindu god. He was sympathetic to Buddhism, as were many Hindus in Kashmir at the time, and Buddhists tended to reciprocate this sympathy for Hindus.