Which one of the following books was authored by Harshavardhana?

Emperor Harshavardhana (reigned 606–647 AD) was not only a powerful ruler of Kanauj but also a distinguished Sanskrit scholar and author [1]. He is credited with writing three famous Sanskrit plays: Ratnavali, Priyadarsika, and Nagananda [1]. Ratnavali is a celebrated four-act Natika (drama) that reflects the high literary standards of his court. In contrast, the other options provided were written by different authors. Harshacharita, the first formal biography of a king in India, and Kadambari, a famous romantic novel, were both authored by Banabhatta, who served as Harsha's court poet [1]. Gitagovinda was composed by the 12th-century poet Jayadeva. Harsha's patronage of learning was extensive, with his administration reportedly spending a significant portion of state revenue on cultural and educational activities, including support for centers like Nalanda University [1].

Sources

1. [1] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 8: Harsha and Rise of Regional Kingdoms > Harsha as a Patron of Art and literature > p. 110