Who was the author of the literary work 'Ratnavali'?

Correct option is C

​The correct answer is (c) Harshavardhana.

The literary work 'Ratnavali' was written by Harshavardhana, a prominent ruler of the 7th century CE who was also a patron of art, culture, and literature.

• 'Ratnavali' is a Sanskrit drama that tells a romantic story centered around a prince, Udayana, and a princess, Ratnavali.

 Other options:

• Chanakya : Known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta, he authored the famous treatise 'Arthashastra', which focuses on statecraft, economics, and military strategy. He did not write 'Ratnavali.'
• Shudraka : An ancient playwright credited with works like 'Mrichchhakatika' (The Little Clay Cart), a Sanskrit drama about love and societal struggles.
• Kalidasa : A renowned classical Sanskrit poet and playwright, he authored works like 'Shakuntala,' 'Raghuvamsa,' and 'Meghaduta,'

Information Booster:

• Harshavardhana (606-6547 AD) was the ruler of the Pushyabhuti Dynasty.
• Apart from 'Ratnavali,' he is credited with writing other plays such as 'Nagananda' and 'Priyadarshika'.
• Harsha's court was adorned with notable scholars like Banabhatta, who wrote the biography 'Harshacharita,' documenting Harsha's life and reign.
• Famous Chinese Traveller Hien Tsang came to India during his reign.