[Solved] Bhavabhuti, Hastimalla & Kshemeshvara: Famous Playwrights

With reference to the history of ancient India, Bhavabhuti, Hastimalla and Kshemeshvara were famous:

[UPSC CSE Prelims 2021]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

Sanskrit literature reached its peak through the works of court poets and playwrights who dramatized epics and romantic legends.

Authentic Source Evidence

Bhavabhuti is renowned for 'Uttararamacharita'. Hastimalla was a notable Jain playwright in the Hoysala court (wrote 'Vikrantakaurava'). Kshemeshvara was a prolific 11th-century poet and dramatist from Kashmir.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Bhavabhuti (8th century) is often ranked alongside Kalidasa for his emotional depth in plays like 'Malatimadhava'.

Logic 2: Hastimalla (13th century) and Kshemeshvara (11th century) are also primarily identified in historical texts as masters of the Kavya (poetry) and Nataka (drama) traditions.

Logic 3: While some were associated with specific religions (Hastimalla with Jainism), their shared fame rests on their identity as playwrights/poets.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"Which play is considered Bhavabhuti's masterpiece?"

Uttararamacharita, which depicts the later life of Lord Rama, including the abandonment of Sita and their eventual reunion.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"These figures represent the continuity of the Sanskrit dramatic tradition across different regions (Kannauj, Hoysala Empire, Kashmir) and time periods."

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