Choose the correct tense from the given options.
This was the first time the mighty king had lost a battle.

Correct option is C

Correct tense: (c) Past Perfect
Why (in detail):
• The verb phrase “had lost” = had + V³, which is the structure of Past Perfect.
• “This was the first time…” commonly uses Past Perfect for the earlier experience/action.
Grammatical Rule (English):
• Past Perfect = had + past participle (V³)
व्याकरणिक नियम (Hindi):
• Past Perfect की पहचान: had + V³ (जैसे: had lost = हार चुका था)।
Hence, option (c) is the correct answer.