UPSC CSE Pre 2023

Ancient and Early Medieval Literature

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

With reference to ancient Indian History, consider the following pairs: **Literary work** **Author** 1. Devichandraguptam - Bilhana 2. Hammira-Mahakavya - Nayachandra Suri 3. Milinda-panha - Nagarjuna 4. Nitivakyamrita - Somadeva Suri How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept Ancient Indian literature encompasses a wide range of texts including political treatises, philosophical dialogues, and historical mahakavyas. Identifying correct authorship is crucial for understanding the chronological and cultural landscape of the time.

Explanation Standard historical records identify Vishakhadatta as the author of Devichandraguptam, while the Milinda-panha is a dialogue between King Menander and the monk Nagasena (not Nagarjuna).

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Pair 1 is incorrect; Devichandraguptam was written by Vishakhadatta. Bilhana is famous for Vikramankadevacharita.
Logic 2: Pair 2 is correct; Hammira-Mahakavya is an epic poem by Nayachandra Suri about the Chahamana king Hammira.
Logic 3: Pair 3 is incorrect; Milinda-panha records the conversation between Indo-Greek King Milinda and Buddhist sage Nagasena.
Logic 4: Pair 4 is correct; Nitivakyamrita is a famous work on statecraft written by the Jain scholar Somadeva Suri.

Active Recall

Question

What is the significance of 'Nitivakyamrita' in the context of Indian political thought?

Answer

It serves as a Jain treatise on statecraft, similar to the Arthashastra, emphasizing the ethical and moral duties of a king.

Core Insight

UPSC frequently tests pairs where famous authors are swapped with contemporary or thematic counterparts, such as Nagasena vs. Nagarjuna.