Which amongst the following was not written by Banabhatta ?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 4:

The correct answer is Ratnavali, because this famous Sanskrit drama was written by Emperor Harsha (Harshavardhana) himself, who reigned in the 7th century CE. Harsha was a highly accomplished patron of literature and a playwright, credited with composing three major dramas: *Priyadarsika*, *Nagananda*, and *Ratnavali*. *Ratnavali* is a theatrical work centered on the love story of King Udayana and Princess Ratnavali. The question asks which work was *not* written by Banabhatta, who served as Harsha's court poet; therefore, *Ratnavali* is the correct exclusion.

The incorrect option is 1 (Kadambari): This is one of the monumental Sanskrit works written by Banabhatta. It is a prose romance (Katha) that, although incomplete due to Banabhatta's death, remains a classic of Sanskrit literature.

The incorrect option is 2 (Harshacharita): This is the biographical work that Banabhatta composed about his patron, Emperor Harsha. *Harshacharita* is a historical prose romance (Akhyayika) and a vital primary source for understanding the life and times of Harsha and the Pushyabhuti dynasty.

The incorrect option is 3 (Chandi Shataka): This is a devotional poem in praise of the goddess Chandi (Durga), composed by Banabhatta. It consists of a hundred stanzas (Shataka) and is another recognized literary contribution of Banabhatta.