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UPSC CSE Pre. 1998

Classical Sanskrit Literature

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Which of the following pairs are correctly matched? 1. Mrichchhakatikam - Sudraka 2. Buddhacharita - Vasuvandhu 3. Mudrarakshasa - Vishakhadatta 4. Harshacharita - Banabhatta Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept Ancient Indian literature is categorized by courtly biographies, religious epics, and social dramas that reflect contemporary life.

Explanation While Mrichchhakatikam, Mudrarakshasa, and Harshacharita are correctly paired with their authors, Buddhacharita was written by Ashvaghosha, not Vasubandhu.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Mrichchhakatikam by Shudraka is a romantic comedy set in Ujjayini.
Logic 2: Buddhacharita is the epic life story of Buddha by the philosopher Ashvaghosha.
Logic 3: Mudrarakshasa by Vishakhadatta is a political drama on the Mauryas.
Logic 4: Harshacharita by Banabhatta is the first royal biography in Sanskrit.

Active Recall

Question

Who was Vasubandhu and how does he differ from Ashvaghosha?

Answer

Vasubandhu was a late 4th-5th century CE Buddhist philosopher of the Yogacara school, whereas Ashvaghosha was a 1st-century poet.

Core Insight

The 1st to 7th centuries CE saw a shift from pure religious texts to 'Kavya' (poetry) and 'Charita' (biographies) as tools of royal legitimacy.

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