Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
The writer of Mahabhashya 'Patanjali' was contemporary of-
Solution & Analysis
Answer: C
Concept
The Shunga period marked a revival of Brahmanical traditions and Sanskrit scholarship following the decline of the Mauryan Empire.Explanation
Patanjali, the author of the *Mahabhashya
(a commentary on Panini’s grammar), lived during the 2nd century BCE. His text mentions the military victories of Pushyamitra Shunga, confirming they were contemporaries.Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Pushyamitra Shunga (r. 185–149 BCE) founded the Shunga dynasty after overthrowing the last Maurya.
Logic 2: Patanjali is often associated with performing the Ashvamedha sacrifices for Pushyamitra.
Logic 3: The *Mahabhashya* also references contemporary events like the invasions of the Indo-Greek king Menander I.