Who is the author of the classic political treatise "The Prince", regarded as one of the earliest works of modern political thought?

Introduction / Context:
This question is about political philosophy and classic books. "The Prince" is a very famous treatise that discusses power, statecraft and leadership, and the exam wants you to remember who wrote it.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The book title is "The Prince".
• It is known as a political treatise.
• Four authors are given: Niccolo Machiavelli, Emile Zola, Bernard Shaw and V S Sharma.
• Only one of them is historically linked to this work.

Concept / Approach:
"The Prince" is closely associated with Niccolo Machiavelli, an Italian diplomat and political thinker of the Renaissance period. The term Machiavellian even comes from his name, referring to cunning political behaviour. Recognising the historical period and genre helps eliminate the other choices who are novelists or playwrights from different centuries.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Niccolo Machiavelli wrote "The Prince" as advice to rulers on how to maintain power. Step 2: Note that Emile Zola was a French novelist associated with naturalism, not Renaissance political theory. Step 3: Bernard Shaw was an Irish playwright known for social satire, not early modern political handbooks. Step 4: V S Sharma is not historically linked with this title. Step 5: Therefore, the only correct match is Niccolo Machiavelli.

Verification / Alternative check:
Every standard history of political thought, as well as dictionaries and encyclopedias, list Machiavelli as the author of "The Prince". The association is so strong that the adjective Machiavellian derives from his work, which reinforces the answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Emile Zola: Wrote novels such as "Germinal", not political treatises of this type.
Bernard Shaw: Focused on drama and social commentary through plays.
V S Sharma: Not recognised as the author of this classic work.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners mix up names if they only memorise lists of authors. Remember that political philosophy up to the Renaissance is associated with Machiavelli, while Zola and Shaw belong to later literary movements.

Final Answer:
Niccolo Machiavelli