[Solved] Language in Gupta Plays: Sanskrit vs Prakrit

In Sanskrit plays written during the Gupta period, women and Sudras speak:

[UPSC CSE Pre 1995]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

Sanskrit drama reflected the social stratification and linguistic diversity of the time by assigning different languages/dialects based on character status.

Authentic Source Evidence

In classical Sanskrit plays (e.g., Kalidasa's Abhigyanashakuntalam), men of high status speak Sanskrit, while women and Sudras (lower-class characters) typically speak Prakrit.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: This linguistic division highlighted the contrast between the 'refined' (Sanskrit) and the 'common' or 'rustic' (Prakrit) segments of society.

Logic 2: Prakrit was a derivative of Sanskrit that was more natural and widely understood by the masses.

Logic 3: Pali was primarily a liturgical language for Buddhism, and Sauraseni was a specific dialect of Prakrit used in some plays, but 'Prakrit' is the broad correct category.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"Which famous playwrights used this dual-language system?"

Kalidasa, Bhasa, Shudraka, and Vishakhadatta all employed this system in their Sanskrit plays.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The use of Prakrit for specific social groups in plays serves as archaeological evidence for the diglossia (dual-language use) present in ancient Indian society."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Kalidasa 7Varna system 3