With reference to the cultural history of India, the memorizing of chr

With reference to the cultural history of India, the memorizing of chronicles, dynastic histories and epic tales was the profession of who of the following?

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Shramana

Parivraajaka

Agrahaarika

Maagadhaa

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This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2016

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The profession of memorizing and reciting chronicles, dynastic histories, and epic tales in ancient and medieval India was typically carried out by bards or court-historians. The term ‘Maagadhaa’ (or Magadha) referred to a class of bards who were professional panegyrists and genealogists, responsible for preserving and reciting historical accounts, epics, and praise poetry.
Option A (Shramana) refers to an ascetic or monk, particularly in heterodox traditions like Buddhism and Jainism.
Option B (Parivraajaka) refers to a wandering ascetic.
Option C (Agrahaarika) refers to the recipient or administrator of an Agrahara land grant, usually a Brahmin scholar or priest.
None of these professions primarily involved the memorization and recitation of historical chronicles and epic tales in the manner described.

Maagadhaa were bards who memorized and recited historical accounts, genealogies, and epics.

Bards played an important role in transmitting historical and cultural knowledge through oral tradition before written records became widespread. They were often patronized by kings and nobles. Other related terms include Suta (charioteer, often also a bard) and Bandin (panegyrist).

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