In its earliest form, before later expansions, by what name was the epic “Mahabharata” originally known in ancient Indian tradition?

Introduction / Context:
The Mahabharata, one of the two great epics of India, did not emerge in a single stage. Traditional accounts suggest that it evolved from an earlier, shorter work which was gradually expanded over time. Knowing the original or old name of the Mahabharata in its earliest form is a common exam question in Indian literature and cultural history.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The epic in question is the Mahabharata.
• The question asks about its old or original name.
• The options list Jaya Samhita (Jaya), Brihat Katha, Rajatarangini, and Kathasaritsagara.
• We assume familiarity with at least some of these literary titles.

Concept / Approach:
According to tradition, the Mahabharata initially existed as a shorter poem called “Jaya,” sometimes referred to as Jaya Samhita. This early version primarily focused on the central battle and core narrative. Over time, the work expanded to become “Bharata” and finally the massive “Mahabharata” as we know it today. Brihat Katha is a different narrative attributed to Gunadhya, Rajatarangini is a history of Kashmir written by Kalhana, and Kathasaritsagara is a later Sanskrit compilation based on the Brihat Katha stories. Therefore, the correct old name of the Mahabharata is Jaya or Jaya Samhita.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the traditional account that describes the evolution of the Mahabharata from Jaya to Bharata to Mahabharata. Step 2: Recognise that “Jaya” (also called Jaya Samhita) is the earliest, more concise form focusing on the central war and core themes. Step 3: Identify that Brihat Katha is a separate work in a different language tradition, not an earlier name of the Mahabharata. Step 4: Note that Rajatarangini is a historical chronicle of Kashmir, unrelated to the Mahabharata's evolution. Step 5: Understand that Kathasaritsagara is a later Sanskrit adaptation of stories from Brihat Katha, again not an old title of the Mahabharata. Step 6: Conclude that the original name was Jaya Samhita (Jaya).

Verification / Alternative check:
Literary histories of Sanskrit texts often state that the Mahabharata grew out of an earlier core poem called Jaya, which comprised fewer verses. Some traditional verses within the Mahabharata itself mention the threefold form: Jaya, Bharata, and Mahabharata, reflecting successive expansions in content and size. No such cross references exist linking the epic's old name to Brihat Katha, Rajatarangini, or Kathasaritsagara, confirming Jaya as the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Brihat Katha: A different legendary narrative, originally said to be composed in the Paisachi language by Gunadhya, later adapted into Sanskrit works.
• Rajatarangini: A historical chronicle of the kings of Kashmir, written by Kalhana in the 12th century AD, not related to the naming of the Mahabharata.
• Kathasaritsagara: A Sanskrit compilation by Somadeva based on Brihat Katha stories, unrelated to the epic Mahabharata's earlier title.

Common Pitfalls:
Because names like Brihat Katha and Kathasaritsagara also sound grand and epic-like, students may mistakenly choose them. Others might confuse Rajatarangini with mythological epics due to its poetic style. To avoid these errors, fix in memory the specific evolution pattern: Jaya (or Jaya Samhita) was the earlier name and form, which then expanded into Bharata and finally into the Mahabharata, the great epic we know today.

Final Answer:
The old name of the Mahabharata in its earliest form was Jaya Samhita (Jaya).