Harshacharita and the References to Bhaskara's Presents to Harshavardhana

The correct answer to the question is option 'B', Bhaskara belonged to the Varman Dynasty of Assam. The references to various presents sent by Bhaskara to Harshavardhana can be found in the historical text called Harshacharita, which was written by Banabhatta, a court poet and biographer of Emperor Harsha.

Harshacharita
- Harshacharita is a biography of Emperor Harsha, who ruled over North India from 606 to 647 CE. It provides valuable insights into the political, social, and cultural aspects of the time.
- The text was written by Banabhatta, who was a highly esteemed poet and scholar in Harsha's court. He was known for his literary skills and his ability to capture the essence of the events and characters he described.

Bhaskara and Harshavardhana
- Bhaskara, mentioned in Harshacharita, was a ruler who sent presents to Harshavardhana, the protagonist of the text.
- Harshavardhana was the ruler of the Pushyabhuti dynasty and is considered one of the most prominent rulers of ancient India. His empire extended from present-day Punjab in the west to Bengal in the east.

Varman Dynasty of Assam
- The Varman Dynasty was a ruling dynasty in the region of Kamarupa, which corresponds to present-day Assam. The dynasty ruled from the 4th to the 12th century CE.
- The Varman Dynasty was known for its patronage of art, literature, and learning. They were supporters of Hinduism and made significant contributions to the development of Assamese culture and society.

References in Harshacharita
- The references to Bhaskara's presents to Harshavardhana indicate diplomatic relations and political interactions between the Varman Dynasty of Assam and the Pushyabhuti Dynasty of North India.
- These presents could have been symbolic gestures of friendship, alliances, or tributes exchanged between the two rulers.
- Unfortunately, the specific details of the presents or the purpose behind them are not provided in the Harshacharita text.
- However, these references shed light on the extent of Harshavardhana's influence and the political connections he had with rulers from different regions of India.

In conclusion, the Harshacharita, written by Banabhatta, mentions the presents sent by Bhaskara, a ruler from the Varman Dynasty of Assam, to Harshavardhana, the ruler of the Pushyabhuti Dynasty. These references highlight the diplomatic and political interactions between the two dynasties and the extent of Harshavardhana's influence in ancient India.