[Solved] Panini, Amarasimha, and Kalidasa: Ancient Scholars

With reference to the scholars/litterateurs of ancient India, consider the following statements:
1. Panini is associated with Pushyamitra.
2. Amarasimha is associated with Harshavardhana.
3. Kalidasa is associated with Chandra Gupta-II.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[UPSC CSE Pre. 2020, GS Paper I]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

This question tests the chronological and court associations of India's greatest classical scholars and poets.

Authentic Source Evidence

Kalidasa and Amarasimha are traditionally counted among the 'Navaratnas' (Nine Gems) of Vikramaditya (Chandra Gupta II). Panini lived much earlier, around the 5th-4th century BCE.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Statement 1 is incorrect. Panini (grammarian) lived centuries before Pushyamitra Shunga (2nd BCE). Patanjali is the scholar associated with Pushyamitra.

Logic 2: Statement 2 is incorrect. Amarasimha was a contemporary of Chandra Gupta II, not Harshavardhana (7th century CE).

Logic 3: Statement 3 is correct. Kalidasa flourished in the Gupta court under Chandra Gupta II.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"Which grammarian is actually associated with Pushyamitra Shunga?"

Patanjali, the author of Mahabhashya, who performed Ashvamedha sacrifices for him.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The Gupta period is considered the 'Golden Age' of Sanskrit literature due to patrons like Chandra Gupta II."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Gupta Empire 7 Navaratnas 10

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With reference to the scholars/litterateurs of ancient India, consider the following statements:1. Panini is associated with Pushyamitra.2. Amarasimha is associated with Harshavardhana.3. Kalidasa is associated with Chandra Gupta-II.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?