Which of the following classical works of literature were written during the Gupta Era? 1. Amarakosh 2. Kamasutra 3. Meghaduta 4. Mudrarakshasa Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2009

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: 1, 2, 3 and 4

Option d is the correct answer. All of these classical works of literature were written during the Gupta Era. Amarakosh: This is a Sanskrit lexicon or dictionary written by Amarasimha. He was one of the nine gems in the court of Chandragupta II. It is also known as Namalinganushasana or Amarakosha and contains about 10,000 words arranged in three chapters. Kamasutra: This is a Sanskrit treatise on erotic love and sexuality written by Vatsyayana. He is believed to have lived in the 3rd or 4th century CE. It is also known as Aphorisms on Love and contains about 1,250 verses divided into seven book. Meghaduta: This is a Sanskrit lyric poem written by Kalidasa. He was the greatest poet and dramatist of the Gupta period. It is also known as Cloud Messenger and describes the longing of a yaksha (a mythical being) for his beloved wife, whom he sends a message through a cloud. Mudrarakshasa: This is a Sanskrit political drama written by Vishakhadatta, who was a playwright and poet of the Gupta period. It is also known as The Signet Ring of Rakshasa and depicts the intrigues and machinations of Chanakya (a minister and strategist) to overthrow the Nanda dynasty and establish the Mauryan empire under Chandragupta Maurya.

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