The ancient text which Kalhana relied in writing Rajatarangini
Last updated May 30, 2026
Correct Answer:
Option C —
Nilmat Purana
Key Details About Rajatarangini and its Sources
The Author: Rajatarangini ("The River of Kings") was written in Sanskrit verse by the Kashmiri historian Kalhana between 1148 and 1149 CE. It provides the earliest reliable chronological history of Kashmir.
Reliance on Nilmata Purana: Kalhana explicitly mentions in the text that he consulted older works to construct his narrative. Among these, the Nilmata Purana was his primary source for understanding the ancient sacred geography, myths, legends, and early dynastic lineages of Kashmir.
Methodology: Kalhana is celebrated by modern historians as India's first scientific historian because he didn't just rely on myths; he critically examined older texts, inscriptions, coins, and local traditions to write his chronicle.
Overview of Other Options:
Matsyapurana: One of the eighteen major Puranas (Mahapuranas) of Hinduism, primarily focusing on the Matsya (fish) avatar of Lord Vishnu and cosmic creation legends, rather than regional histories.
Khandopanishad (Chandogya Upanishad): An ancient Vedic philosophical text embedded in the Sama Veda, dealing with meditation, syllable chanting (Om), and spiritual philosophy.
Mahabharata: One of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India. While Kalhana mentions epic figures like the Pandavas in the early, legendary sections of Kashmir's history, the Nilmata Purana remained his explicit regional guide.
Answer verified by Quintessence Classes faculty — Karan Nagar, Srinagar.
