The correct answer is b) 19th century.

Explanation:
The first Urdu novels began to be written in the 19th century. Urdu, a language derived from Persian and Arabic, developed as a literary language in the Indian subcontinent during the 13th century. However, it was not until the 19th century that Urdu novels emerged as a popular form of literature.

1. Emergence of Urdu Literature:
- Urdu literature has a rich history that dates back to the 13th century when it originated as a spoken language among the Mughals in the Indian subcontinent.
- It was during the Mughal era that Urdu began to be used in poetry and prose, and it gradually gained popularity as a literary language.
- Urdu literature was heavily influenced by Persian and Arabic literature, and it evolved into a distinct form with its own unique characteristics and themes.

2. Development of Urdu Prose:
- While Urdu poetry flourished during the medieval period, prose was not widely explored until the 19th century.
- The 19th century saw the emergence of a new class of Urdu writers who were influenced by Western literature and ideas.
- These writers began to experiment with prose and introduced new genres such as the novel, short story, and essay.

3. Early Urdu Novels:
- The first Urdu novels were written in the mid-19th century and were influenced by both Indian and Western literary traditions.
- One of the earliest Urdu novels is "Umrao Jaan Ada" by Mirza Hadi Ruswa, published in 1899. It is a classic novel that depicts the life of a courtesan in Lucknow.
- Another significant early Urdu novel is "Fasana-e-Azad" by Ratan Nath Sarshar, published in 1869. It is a social novel that addresses issues of gender, class, and social injustice.

4. Contribution of Urdu Novelists:
- The 19th century witnessed the rise of several prominent Urdu novelists who made significant contributions to the development of the genre.
- Writers like Nazir Ahmed, Deputy Nazir Ahmad, and Munshi Premchand are considered pioneers of Urdu fiction.
- These novelists explored a wide range of themes, including social issues, historical events, and psychological introspection, and their works continue to be celebrated in Urdu literature.

In conclusion, the first Urdu novels began to be written in the 19th century. This period saw the emergence of Urdu prose as a distinct literary form, and several influential novelists contributed to the development and popularity of Urdu novels.