UPSC CSE Prelims 2021

Ancient Sanskrit Literature

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

With reference to the history of ancient India, Bhavabhuti, Hastimalla and Kshemeshvara were famous:

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept Sanskrit literature reached its peak through the works of court poets and playwrights who dramatized epics and romantic legends.

Explanation Bhavabhuti is renowned for 'Uttararamacharita'. Hastimalla was a notable Jain playwright in the Hoysala court (wrote 'Vikrantakaurava'). Kshemeshvara was a prolific 11th-century poet and dramatist from Kashmir.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Bhavabhuti (8th century) is often ranked alongside Kalidasa for his emotional depth in plays like 'Malatimadhava'.
Logic 2: Hastimalla (13th century) and Kshemeshvara (11th century) are also primarily identified in historical texts as masters of the Kavya (poetry) and Nataka (drama) traditions.
Logic 3: While some were associated with specific religions (Hastimalla with Jainism), their shared fame rests on their identity as playwrights/poets.

Active Recall

Question

Which play is considered Bhavabhuti's masterpiece?

Answer

Uttararamacharita, which depicts the later life of Lord Rama, including the abandonment of Sita and their eventual reunion.

Core Insight

These figures represent the continuity of the Sanskrit dramatic tradition across different regions (Kannauj, Hoysala Empire, Kashmir) and time periods.