The correct option is Thus it was.
Explanation
In the early Sanskrit literary tradition, texts are classified based on their nature, origin, and content. The term Itihasa is a specific category used to denote traditional history or narratives of past events, primarily represented by the Epics.
Etymological Analysis:
- The term Itihasa is derived from a combination of three Sanskrit particles:
- iti: meaning "thus" or "so".
- ha: meaning "indeed", "verily", or "definitely".
- asa: meaning "it was" or "existed" (from the root as, to be).
- When combined, the phrase iti-ha-asa literally translates to "so indeed it was" or "thus it was".
- This definition implies that the texts classified as Itihasa (specifically the Ramayana and the Mahabharata) are viewed traditionally as accounts of events that actually occurred, distinguishing them from Kavya (poetry) or Katha (fables/fiction).
Key Takeaway:
The literal meaning of the Sanskrit term Itihasa is "Thus it was" (iti-ha-asa), signifying a traditional narrative of past events that are believed to have actually happened.