U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2018

Medieval Hindi Literature

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Which of the following pairs is not correctly matched?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept The Ritikaal and Bhakti eras of Hindi literature produced distinct genres: biographical catalogs (Bhaktamal) and treatises on poetics (Rasik Priya).

Explanation 'Rasik Priya' was written by Acharya Keshavdas in 1591, focusing on the classification of Rasas. Raskhan is famous for 'Prem Vatika'.

Logical Breakup
Option C is Incorrect: Raskhan did not write Rasik Priya; it is the work of Keshavdas.
Option A: Dhruvadas wrote Bhagat Namawali, documenting 252 devotees.
Option B: Nabhadas's Bhaktamal (1585) is the most influential collection of saint biographies.
Option D: Usman wrote Chitravali during the reign of Jahangir.

Active Recall

Question

What is the theme of the Bhaktamal?

Answer

It provides short biographies and accounts of the spiritual lives of over 200 Hindu saints and devotees.

Core Insight

The creation of these 'biographies' was essential to forming a coherent devotional community in Northern India.