Ashvaghosha
Explanation
The Buddhacharita is an epic poem in the Sanskrit Mahakavya style, detailing the life of Gautama Buddha. It is considered one of the finest examples of early Sanskrit literature.Analysis of Options:
- Banabhatta is incorrect: Banabhatta was the court poet of King Harsha (7th century CE). His notable works include the Harshacharita (a biography of Harsha) and Kadambari.
- Ashvaghosha is correct: Ashvaghosha was a Buddhist philosopher, dramatist, and poet who lived during the reign of the Kushana King Kanishka (c. 1st–2nd century CE). He composed the Buddhacharita, which narrates the life of the Buddha from his birth to his attainment of Nirvana. He also wrote Saundarananda and Sariputra Prakarana.
- Harishena is incorrect: Harishena was a court poet and minister of the Gupta Emperor Samudragupta (4th century CE). He is best known for composing the Prayag Prasasti (Allahabad Pillar Inscription).
- Kalidasa is incorrect: Kalidasa was a classical Sanskrit author, often associated with the court of Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) of the Gupta dynasty. His major works include plays like Abhijnanashakuntalam and poems like Meghaduta and Raghuvamsha.
Key Takeaway: Ashvaghosha, a contemporary of Kanishka, composed the Buddhacharita in Sanskrit, marking a significant development in Buddhist literature.