[Solved] Malavikagnimitra: Kalidasa's Shunga Era Play

Which one of the following books of ancient India has the love story of the son of the founder of Sunga dynasty?

[UPSC CSE Pre. 2016, GS Paper I]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

Sanskrit literature often serves as a source for historical figures. Kalidasa's first play is a prime example of historical fiction in the classical era.

Authentic Source Evidence

Pushyamitra Shunga was the founder of the Shunga dynasty. His son, Agnimitra, is the protagonist of 'Malavikagnimitra'.

Analytical Breakdown

Option B is Correct: The play depicts the love of King Agnimitra for Malavika, an exiled servant who is actually a princess.

Option A: Swapnavasavadatta is by Bhasa, about Udayana and Vasavadatta.

Option C: Meghadoota is a lyric poem about a Yaksha sending a message via a cloud.

Option D: Ratnavali is a play by Harshavardhana.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"What historical event is mentioned in the background of Malavikagnimitra?"

The victory of the Shunga forces over the Vidarbha kingdom and the Greeks (Yavanas).

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"Kalidasa uses the royal court of the Shungas to explore the themes of aesthetic pleasure (Rasa) and political stability."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Kalidasa 7 Pushyamitra Shunga 3

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