[Solved] Works of Ashvaghosha: Buddhacharita to Saunderananda

Which one of the following is not the work of Ashvaghosha?

[CDS 2022 (II)]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

Ashvaghosha (1st-2nd century CE) was the court poet of Kanishka and a pioneer of Sanskrit Buddhist literature, known for his refined Kavya style.

Authentic Source Evidence

Ashvaghosha’s major works are Buddhacharita, Saundarananda, and the drama Sariputraprakarana. Manjushrimulakalpa is a later Mahayana Buddhist tantric text.

Analytical Breakdown

Option D is Correct: Manjushrimulakalpa is not by Ashvaghosha; it belongs to the 'Vajrayana' or 'Mahayana' school and was composed much later (c. 8th century).

Logic: Ashvaghosha’s works are characterized by high classical Sanskrit 'Kavya' techniques used to propagate Buddhist teachings.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"Who was Ashvaghosha's patron?"

The Kushana Emperor Kanishka, who presided over the Fourth Buddhist Council.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"Ashvaghosha was the first to use the sophisticated 'Kavya' style to make Buddhist doctrine appealing to the intellectual and royal elite."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Kanishka 11 Mahayana Buddhism 8 Sanskrit Kavya 2

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