Ancient Indian Authorship

Matching Varahamihira, Sudraka, and Bilhana to Texts

Varahamihira wrote Brihat Samhita, Vishakhadatta wrote Devi-Chandraguptam, Sudraka wrote Mrichchhakatikam, and Bilhana wrote Vikramankadevacharita.

Primary Reference: Standard Educational Reference

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Match list-I with list-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
List-I (Author)
A. Varahamihira
B. Vishakhadatta
C. Sudraka
D. Bilhana
List-II (Text)
1. Prabandha Chintamani
2. Mrichchha-Katikam
3. Brihat Samhita
4. Devi-Chandraguptam
5. Vikramankadevacharita

[UPSC CSE Previous Year]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept


This matching covers diverse genres: scientific encyclopedias (Samhita), political drama, romantic comedy, and royal biography.

Authentic Source Evidence


Varahamihira wrote the encyclopedic Brihat Samhita. Vishakhadatta authored Devi-Chandraguptam (about the Guptas). Sudraka wrote Mrichchhakatikam. Bilhana wrote the biography of Vikramaditya VI.

Analytical Breakdown


  • A-3: Varahamihira's work covers astronomy and architecture.

  • B-4: Devi-Chandraguptam details the rise of Chandragupta II.

  • C-2: Mrichchhakatikam is Shudraka's famous 'Little Clay Cart'.

  • D-5: Bilhana's Vikramankadevacharita is a major Chalukyan historical source.
  • Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

    "Which author from the list is associated with the 6th century scientific tradition?"

    Varahamihira, who was one of the legendary 'Navaratnas'.

    Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

    "Historical records in ancient India were often embedded in creative works like plays (Vishakhadatta) or long poems (Bilhana)."

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