Banabhatta was the court poet of which king?

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (A) Harshvardhana.

Explanation:

• Banabhatta was a renowned Sanskrit scholar and poet in the court of King Harshvardhana, who ruled North India during the 7th century.
• He is best known for his literary works, Harshacharita (a biography of Harsha) and Kadambari (a classical Sanskrit romance).
• Banabhatta's works are considered masterpieces of Sanskrit literature, showcasing his literary prowess and the cultural richness of Harsha's reign.

Why the other options are incorrect:

• Chandragupta: Known as Chandragupta Maurya or Chandragupta I of the Gupta Empire, there is no evidence of Banabhatta being associated with their courts.
• Ashoka: A Mauryan emperor famous for his spread of Buddhism; he lived several centuries before Banabhatta.
• Samudragupta: A Gupta emperor known for his military conquests and patronage of arts, but Banabhatta was not part of his court.