CDS 2015 (II)

Classical Sanskrit Authorship

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists. **List I (Author)** A. Somadeva B. Kalidasa C. Bhasa D. Bilhana **List II (Work)** 1. Malavikagnimitra 2. Kathasaritsagara 3. Chaurapanchasika 4. Svapnavasavadatta

Solution & Analysis

Answer: A

Concept This matching covers key genres of Sanskrit literature: folk legend collections (Somadeva), courtly drama (Kalidasa/Bhasa), and lyrical romance (Bilhana).

Explanation
Somadeva: Author of *Kathasaritsagara* (Ocean of Story Streams).
Kalidasa: Author of *Malavikagnimitra*, his first play.
Bhasa: Author of *Svapnavasavadatta* (The Dream of Vasavadatta).
Bilhana: Author of *Chaurapanchasika* (Fifty Stanzas of a Thief).

Logical Breakup
A-2: Somadeva’s 11th-century work is a massive collection of Indian legends.
B-1: Kalidasa’s drama tells the story of King Agnimitra’s love for Malavika.
C-4: Bhasa is one of the earliest Indian dramatists; his play follows King Udayana.
D-3: Bilhana’s poem is a masterpiece of lyrical romance composed while he was in prison.

Active Recall

Question

What is the subject of Bilhana's Chaurapanchasika?

Answer

It is a lyrical love poem written by a secret lover (the 'thief') for a princess while he awaits execution.

Core Insight

Sanskrit literature in the 11th century (Somadeva/Bilhana) evolved into more complex, stylistically decorative forms compared to the 4th-century Gupta era.