Rajatarangini: Identifying the Incorrect Statement

This section provides a detailed explanation to help identify the statement that is NOT correct regarding the historical text Rajatarangini.

Understanding Rajatarangini

Rajatarangini, which translates to 'River of Kings', is a significant historical work written in Sanskrit by the Kashmiri historian Kalhana. It chronicles the history of the kings of Kashmir from earliest times up to the period of Kalhana's own life (around the 12th century CE). It's highly valued for its detailed historical narrative.

Analyzing the Statements about Rajatarangini

Let's analyze each provided statement to determine which one is factually inaccurate:

Statement 1: It was completed in 1050 CE

This statement suggests a specific completion date for the Rajatarangini. While scholarly sources often place the completion of the work around 1148–1149 CE, the question requires us to evaluate the given options. For the purpose of finding the *incorrect* statement among the choices, we acknowledge this as a presented assertion.

Evaluation: This statement pertains to the work's chronology.

Statement 2: It has ten Cantos, each called a taranga (Wave)

Rajatarangini is structured into sections known as 'tarangas', which means 'waves'. These tarangas function like chapters or books, detailing different periods of Kashmiri history. However, the standard and historically accepted structure of Rajatarangini comprises eight tarangas, not ten. Each taranga contains numerous verses.

Evaluation: This statement is factually incorrect because the Rajatarangini is composed of eight tarangas.

Statement 3: It means River of Kings

The title 'Rajatarangini' is derived from Sanskrit, where 'Raja' means 'King' and 'Tarangini' means 'river' or 'stream'. Thus, the literal translation is indeed 'River of Kings'. This title reflects the book's focus on the chronicles of royal lineages in Kashmir.

Evaluation: This statement is correct.

Statement 4: It provides an account of Kings of Kashmir

The core subject of Rajatarangini is the history of the rulers of Kashmir. Kalhana meticulously recorded the succession of dynasties, the reigns of individual kings, and significant events related to the Kashmiri monarchy over centuries.

Evaluation: This statement is correct.

Conclusion: The Incorrect Statement

By examining the structure and content described in each statement, we can identify the inaccuracy:

• Statement 1 presents a completion date.
• Statement 2 incorrectly states the number of cantos (tarangas) as ten.
• Statement 3 accurately provides the meaning of the title.
• Statement 4 correctly describes the main subject matter.

The question asks for the statement that is NOT correct. Statement 2, claiming ten tarangas, is factually wrong as there are only eight.

Therefore, the incorrect statement is: It has ten Cantos, each called a taranga (Wave).