Which one of the following is an important historical novel written during the latter half of the nineteenth century?

Correct Option

Durgesh Nandini, authored by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in Bengali, is recognized as one of the earliest and most influential historical novels in India. Published between 1862 and 1864, it is a romantic-historical narrative set during the Mughal-Bengal conflict against the Pathans. This work was instrumental in establishing the genre of historical fiction in Indian literature and contributed significantly to fostering nationalist sentiments during the period.

Incorrect Options

• Rast Goftar: This was a Gujarati newspaper founded by Dadabhai Naoroji in 1851, primarily catering to the Parsi community, and not a historical novel.
• Maratha: There is no widely recognized historical novel by this name from the latter half of the nineteenth century that fits the context of the question.
• Nibandhamala: This was a collection of essays, notably by Vishnushastri Chiplunkar, rather than a historical novel.