Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
In Sanskrit plays written during the Gupta period, women and Sudras speak:
Solution & Analysis
Answer: B
Concept
Sanskrit drama reflected the social stratification and linguistic diversity of the time by assigning different languages/dialects based on character status.Explanation
In classical Sanskrit plays (e.g., Kalidasa's *Abhigyanashakuntalam*), men of high status speak Sanskrit, while women and Sudras (lower-class characters) typically speak Prakrit.Logical Breakup
Logic 1: This linguistic division highlighted the contrast between the 'refined' (Sanskrit) and the 'common' or 'rustic' (Prakrit) segments of society.
Logic 2: Prakrit was a derivative of Sanskrit that was more natural and widely understood by the masses.
Logic 3: Pali was primarily a liturgical language for Buddhism, and Sauraseni was a specific dialect of Prakrit used in some plays, but 'Prakrit' is the broad correct category.