M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2005

Classical Sanskrit Literature

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Which of the following drama was not written by Kalidas?

Answer: D

Concept Identifying the core corpus of Kalidasa is vital, as his style was so influential that many later works attempted to imitate it.

Explanation Janaki haranama was written by the Ceylonese poet Kumaradasa. Kalidasa's authentic masterpieces include *Abhijnana Shakuntalam

and *Malavikagnimitram*.

Logical Breakup

Option D is Correct: Kumaradasa’s work is a retelling of the Ramayana abduction story.

Nuance: Kumarsambhavama (Option C) is a poem, not a drama, but the question focuses on excluding the non-Kalidasa author.

Question

Who wrote the Janaki haranama?

Answer

Kumaradasa, a 6th-century poet who was significantly influenced by Kalidasa's style.

The existence of works like Janaki haranama proves the widespread geographic reach of Kalidasa’s influence across the Indian Ocean to Sri Lanka.