Who among the following is the author of the Kiratarjuniya ?

The Kiratarjuniya is a celebrated classical Sanskrit epic (mahakavya) authored by the 6th-century poet Bharavi [3]. The work consists of 18 cantos and narrates the story of the Pandava hero Arjuna's penance and his subsequent combat with Lord Shiva, who appears in the guise of a Kirata (hunter), to obtain the divine Pashupatastra weapon. Bharavi is renowned for his 'lofty expression' and intricate poetic style, which significantly influenced later Sanskrit literature [3]. While other options like Magha authored the Shishupala-vadha [2] and Bhavabhuti wrote the Uttararamacharita [2], Bharavi is uniquely identified with the Kiratarjuniya [1]. This work is considered one of the six great mahakavyas of Sanskrit literature and was highly regarded in both northern and southern Indian literary traditions, as evidenced by its mention in the Aihole inscription and its association with the Pallava court [1].

Sources

1. [1] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 9: Cultural Development in South India > Growing Popularity of Sanskrit > p. 126
2. [3] https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bharavi
3. [2] https://www.deshbandhucollege.ac.in/pdf/resources/1585759255_HS(H)-IV-SEC-Lec1.pdf