UPSC CSE Pre. 1993

Royal Patronage and Literature

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Which one of the following pairs of kings of Ancient and Medieval periods of Indian History and the works by them is correctly matched?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept In Indian history, many kings were 'Rajarshis' or scholar-kings who authored influential works on politics, architecture, and religion.

Explanation Mahendravarman I, the Pallava king, wrote the satirical play 'Mattavilasaprahasana'.

Logical Breakup
Option B is Correct: It is a 7th-century farce poking fun at the eccentricities of contemporary religious sects.
Mismatches: Krishnadevaraya wrote *Amuktamalyada* (Telugu). Somesvara III wrote *Manasollasa* (Encyclopedia). Bhoja of Dhar wrote *Samaranganasutradhara* (Architecture).

Active Recall

Question

What is the theme of Krishnadevaraya's Amuktamalyada?

Answer

It is a Telugu epic about the wedding of Lord Ranganayaka and the Alvar saint Andal.

Core Insight

Scholarship was a tool of 'Soft Power' for Indian monarchs, used to establish their intellectual and religious authority.