Who authored the ancient Greek work "Indica", an important early account describing the Indian subcontinent?

Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to ancient history and literature. "Indica" is an important early account of India written by a foreign visitor in classical times. Identifying its author helps you connect history, geography and literature in one fact.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The work is titled "Indica".
• It is an ancient Greek account of India.
• Four author names are given, one ancient and three modern novelists.
• Only one matches the historical context.

Concept / Approach:
Megasthenes was a Greek ambassador to the court of Chandragupta Maurya in ancient India. He wrote "Indica" based on his observations of Indian society, geography and administration. The other names are contemporary English language writers, which do not fit the time period or genre.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Megasthenes lived in the time of the Mauryan Empire and visited India as a Greek envoy. Step 2: Remember that his work describing India was called "Indica". Step 3: Check the other options: Stephen King, J K Rowling and Margaret Atwood are modern fiction writers from English speaking countries. Step 4: Such authors could not have written an ancient Greek account of India. Step 5: Therefore the correct answer is Megasthenes.

Verification / Alternative check:
History textbooks and reference works on ancient India consistently mention "Indica" by Megasthenes as a key external source of information on Mauryan administration and society. This confirms that he is the author referenced here.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Stephen King: Contemporary American horror and suspense writer, not an ancient Greek visitor.
J K Rowling: British author of the Harry Potter series, unrelated to this work.
Margaret Atwood: Canadian novelist and poet, also not connected with ancient Greek literature.

Common Pitfalls:
Sometimes students misread Indica as a modern term and randomly choose a famous modern author. Always pay attention to clues like ancient Greek and connect them to the correct historical figure.

Final Answer:
Megasthenes