U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1998

Historical Drama in Sanskrit

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

The protagonist of the Play 'Malvikagnimitra', written by Kalidasa is

Answer: C

Concept Kalidasa's dramas often utilized historical figures as central characters, weaving romance into real political settings.

Explanation Agnimitra, the son of Pushyamitra Shunga, is the hero of the play Malvikagnimitra.

Logical Breakup

Option C is Correct: He was the second king of the Shunga dynasty.

Plot: The play follows his love for the maidservant Malavika, who is ultimately revealed to be a princess.

Historical Context: It mentions the Shunga victory over the Greeks (Yavanas) and the Vidarbha kingdom.

Question

Which era does Malvikagnimitra provide information about?

Answer

The post-Mauryan period, specifically the political intrigues and territorial expansions of the Shunga dynasty.

Agnimitra's portrayal as a romantic hero helped humanize the Shunga rulers in the literary memory of the Gupta period.