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Ancient Indian 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. Varahamihira B. Vishakhadatta C. Sudraka D. Bilhana **List-II (Text)** 1. Prabandha Chintamani 2. Mrichchha-Katikam 3. Brihat Samhita 4. Devi-Chandraguptam 5. Vikramankadevacharita

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept This matching covers diverse genres: scientific encyclopedias (Samhita), political drama, romantic comedy, and royal biography.

Explanation Varahamihira wrote the encyclopedic Brihat Samhita. Vishakhadatta authored Devi-Chandraguptam (about the Guptas). Sudraka wrote Mrichchhakatikam. Bilhana wrote the biography of Vikramaditya VI.

Logical Breakup
A-3: Varahamihira's work covers astronomy and architecture.
B-4: Devi-Chandraguptam details the rise of Chandragupta II.
C-2: Mrichchhakatikam is Shudraka's famous 'Little Clay Cart'.
D-5: Bilhana's Vikramankadevacharita is a major Chalukyan historical source.

Active Recall

Question

Which author from the list is associated with the 6th century scientific tradition?

Answer

Varahamihira, who was one of the legendary 'Navaratnas'.

Core Insight

Historical records in ancient India were often embedded in creative works like plays (Vishakhadatta) or long poems (Bilhana).

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