Correct answer: (d) Maagadha
Explanation
- A
Shramana
Shramana denotes an ascetic striver in the Sramanic tradition (Buddhist, Jaina, Ajivika), not a professional reciter of royal chronicles. This option is not the key.
- B
Parivraajaka
Parivraajaka is a wandering renouncer. Memorising dynastic tales was not that vocation. This option is wrong.
- C
Agrahaarika
Agrahaarika relates to an agrahara (Brahmin settlement/grant), not to the bardic profession named in the question. This option is not the key.
- D
Maagadha
Maagadha (and the related suta–magadha pairing in early texts) designates a class whose profession included preserving and reciting chronicles, genealogies and epic lore at court. That is why (d) is the official key.
Summary. Official key is (d) Maagadha. In the cultural history of India, magadhas and sutas are associated with oral preservation of itihasa-purana, royal genealogies and heroic tales. Shramanas and parivrajakas are renouncers; agraharika points to grant villages. The question is about a profession of memory, not about asceticism or land. Only (d) names that professional group.
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