They were written primarily by Jain scholars of western India (Gujarat and Malwa) from 13th century onwards.
The prabandhas feature colloquial Sanskrit with vernacular expressions, and contain elements of folklore.
It states that the charitas are the life-stories of tirthankaras, kings and religious leaders up to Aryarakshita-Suri (who died in 30 CE).
For example, there are texts titled Kumarapala-Charita, Vastupala-Charita and Jagadu-Charita about people who flourished after the end of the 1st millennium CE.
[1] The prabandhas make heavy use of vernacular (that is, non-Sanskrit) expressions, and often appear close to the folk tradition.