The book "The Discovery of India", written during imprisonment, is authored by which Indian leader who later became the first Prime Minister of independent India?

Introduction / Context:
This general knowledge question deals with classic Indian non fiction. "The Discovery of India" is a detailed exploration of Indian history, culture and philosophy, written by a leading freedom fighter while he was in prison. The book is an important source for understanding how India past was interpreted during the struggle for independence.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The title in question is "The Discovery of India".
• The author was later the first Prime Minister of India.
• Options include Kalhana, Jawaharlal Nehru, Ashapurna Devi and a generic "None".
• Only one of these names fits the political and historical description.

Concept / Approach:
Jawaharlal Nehru wrote "The Discovery of India" during his imprisonment at Ahmednagar Fort. The work combines history, philosophy and a personal sense of India civilisation. Kalhana is an ancient chronicler associated with "Rajatarangini", and Ashapurna Devi is a Bengali writer. The option "None" should not be chosen because Nehru is explicitly present and correct.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Jawaharlal Nehru authored "The Discovery of India" while in jail in the 1940s. Step 2: Identify that he later became the first Prime Minister of independent India, matching the description in the question. Step 3: Check the alternatives. Kalhana lived many centuries earlier and wrote a different historical text. Ashapurna Devi is known for Bengali fiction, not this broad survey of India. Step 4: Since Nehru name appears directly in the options, there is no reason to consider the "None" option. Step 5: Choose Jawaharlal Nehru as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Any standard list of Nehru writings will include "The Discovery of India" as one of his central works, along with "Glimpses of World History" and "An Autobiography". School and college textbooks frequently reference this book for its interpretation of Indian civilisation, confirming that Jawaharlal Nehru is unquestionably the author.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Kalhana wrote "Rajatarangini", a chronicle of the kings of Kashmir, and not "The Discovery of India". Ashapurna Devi created important Bengali novels rather than long historical essays. The "None" option is incorrect because one of the provided names clearly matches both the book and the political role described. Selecting it would ignore very well established facts.

Common Pitfalls:
Occasionally, candidates answer too quickly and misread the title, confusing it with other discovery themed phrases or mixing Nehru works. Taking a brief moment to recall the complete title and connect it with imprisonment and India first Prime Minister prevents such errors. It also helps to remember that the book was adapted into a television series, further strengthening its association with Nehru.

Final Answer:
Jawaharlal Nehru