U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2006

Ancient Sanskrit Prose and Fiction

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Which one of the following is not correctly matched?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept Identifying the correct authors of early Indian novels and plays is essential for establishing literary timelines.

Explanation Kadambari is a romantic novel written by Banabhatta, the court poet of King Harsha. Subandhu is the author of another romantic prose work titled *Vasavadatta*.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Option C is mismatched. Banabhatta's *Kadambari* is considered one of the world's first novels.
Logic 2: Kalidasa wrote the epic poem *Raghuvansa* (Option A).
Logic 3: Bhasa is the legendary author of *Svapna Vasavadattam* (Option B).
Logic 4: Emperor Harsha wrote the play *Ratnavali* (Option D).

Active Recall

Question

What other major work did Banabhatta write?

Answer

He wrote 'Harshacharita', the biography of the Emperor Harshavardhana.

Core Insight

Banabhatta’s prose in Kadambari is famous for its extremely long compounds and layered storytelling, a peak of the Sanskrit 'Gadyakavya' style.