Correct Option
The correct option is Kalidasa – Court of Harshavardhana
Explanation
In ancient Indian history, royal patronage played a pivotal role in the flourishing of Sanskrit literature. Identifying the association between specific court poets and their respective monarchs is crucial for establishing the chronological and cultural context of literary works.
Option Analysis
- (a) Harishena – Court of Samudragupta: Correct. Harishena was the court poet and minister of the Gupta Emperor Samudragupta. He composed the Prayaga Prashasti (Allahabad Pillar Inscription), which provides a detailed panegyric of Samudragupta’s military conquests and personality.
- (b) Banabhatta – Court of Harshavardhana: Correct. Banabhatta served as the Asthana Kavi (court poet) to King Harshavardhana of the Pushyabhuti dynasty (7th century CE). His notable works include the Harshacharita (a biography of Harsha) and Kadambari.
- (c) Ravikirti – Court of Pulakeshin II: Correct. Ravikirti was the court poet of the Chalukya King Pulakeshin II. He composed the famous Aihole Inscription, which details the history of the Chalukyas and mentions Pulakeshin II's victory over Harshavardhana.
- (d) Kalidasa – Court of Harshavardhana: Incorrect. Kalidasa, the renowned Sanskrit dramatist and poet, is historically associated with the Gupta period. He is traditionally considered one of the 'Navaratnas' (Nine Gems) in the court of Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya), predating Harshavardhana by several centuries.
Key Takeaway: Kalidasa belongs to the Golden Age of the Guptas (specifically the court of Chandragupta II), while Banabhatta belongs to the court of Harshavardhana in the post-Gupta period.