Date of Abhinanda, author of the Rimacarita
Summary
This note reconsiders the chronology of Abhinanda, author of the epic Rimacarita. Previous scholars placed him in the 10th century and identified him as Jayanta Bhatta’s son. The author challenges this by examining Rimacarita’s internal references: its protagonist, called Haravarsa or Yuvaraja, bears epithets suggesting connection with Pala emperors Dharmapala or Devapala. Moreover, the Udayasundarikatha mentions Abhinanda before Rajasekhara, implying a 9th‑century date. These clues, combined with genealogical details, suggest that Abhinanda’s patron belonged to the mid‑9th‑century Pala dynasty rather than the 10th‑century Gahadavala line. By placing Abhinanda in the 9th century, the author resolves inconsistencies in earlier chronologies and clarifies the sequence of Sanskrit poets. The note concludes that a closer reading of epigraphic and literary evidence is essential for accurate dating of medieval authors.
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Conclusion
By analysing epithets and genealogical hints in the Rimacarita and comparing them with external references, the article argues that Abhinanda lived in the mid‑9th century under Pala patronage, not in the 10th century as previously thought.