Banabhatta was a Sanskrit prose writer and poet in 7th-century in the court of King Harshavardhana

Banabhatta – Court Poet of King Harshavardhana

Banabhatta was a Sanskrit prose writer and poet in 7th-century in India. In the court of King Harshavardhana, he was the Asthana Kavi. 

The principal works of Banabhatta include:

  1. Harshacharita, a biography of Harsha
  2. Candikasataka
  3. Parvatiparinaya
  4. Kadambari, one of the first novels

Bana died before finishing the novel and his son Bhusanabhatta completed that novel. Banabhatta gets praised as “Banochhistam Jagatsarvam” meaning – Bana has described everything during this world and zip is left.

Early Life of Banabhatta

Banabhatta was born to Chitrabhanu and Rajadevi during a Bhojaka family of Vatsyayana gotra. He was born in the village of Pritikuta on the banks of the Hiranyavahu(now Chhapra, Bihar). 

His mother died when he was small. He was raised by his father. His father died when he was 14. 

For some years, he traveled adventurously with a colorful group of friends, visiting various courts and universities. His group of friends includes- his two half brothers by a lower-caste woman, a snake-doctor, a goldsmith, a gambler, and a musician.

At last, he returned home and married. One day, he received a letter from Krishna, cousin of King Harsha. He met King Harsha, who was camping near the town of Manitara. After the first meeting, Banabhatta became the favorite of King Harsha.

His Writing Style

After examining his major works, it is clear that his grammar is excellent. He uses a lot of figures of speech in his work. His prose was usually harmonious and rhythmical. 

His unique style was to use longer verses, comprising of short and crisp words. The sharpness in his writing style and his controlled use of the figure of speech has inspired many writers after his time. 

Major Works

Banabhatta wrote one of the most popular and most initial novels, known as Kadambari. It is a biographical work of Harsha and Kadambari.

Banabhatta wrote one of the most popular and most initial novels, known as Kadambari. It is a biographical work of Harsha and Kadambari

Bana has written novels like Harshacharita, Kadambari, Chandikasataka, and Parvatiparinaya. It is said that he died before he could finish Harshacharita and his son, Bhusanbhatta, finished his work. 

Although, there’s not much which will be critically praised about Chandikasataka and Parvatiparinaya. It’s said that he wont to receive many rewards and accolades from King Harsha because of the enjoyment of his work and talent.

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