upscools
Classical Sanskrit Authorship

Matching Sanskrit Authors to Famous Works

Somadeva wrote Kathasaritsagara, Kalidasa authored Malavikagnimitra, Bhasa wrote Svapnavasavadatta, and Bilhana wrote Chaurapanchasika.

Primary Reference: NCERT Class XII - Themes in Indian History Part I

Archived:

Updated:

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists. List I (Author)
A. Somadeva
B. Kalidasa
C. Bhasa
D. Bilhana List II (Work)
1. Malavikagnimitra
2. Kathasaritsagara
3. Chaurapanchasika
4. Svapnavasavadatta

[CDS 2015 (II)]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept


This matching covers key genres of Sanskrit literature: folk legend collections (Somadeva), courtly drama (Kalidasa/Bhasa), and lyrical romance (Bilhana).

Authentic Source Evidence


  • Somadeva: Author of Kathasaritsagara (Ocean of Story Streams).

  • Kalidasa: Author of Malavikagnimitra, his first play.

  • Bhasa: Author of Svapnavasavadatta (The Dream of Vasavadatta).

  • Bilhana: Author of Chaurapanchasika (Fifty Stanzas of a Thief).

    • Analytical Breakdown


  • A-2: Somadeva’s 11th-century work is a massive collection of Indian legends.

  • B-1: Kalidasa’s drama tells the story of King Agnimitra’s love for Malavika.

  • C-4: Bhasa is one of the earliest Indian dramatists; his play follows King Udayana.

  • D-3: Bilhana’s poem is a masterpiece of lyrical romance composed while he was in prison.

    • Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

    "What is the subject of Bilhana's Chaurapanchasika?"

    It is a lyrical love poem written by a secret lover (the 'thief') for a princess while he awaits execution.

    Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

    "Sanskrit literature in the 11th century (Somadeva/Bilhana) evolved into more complex, stylistically decorative forms compared to the 4th-century Gupta era."

    Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

    Analysing authentic CDS (II)previous year questions is non-negotiable for serious aspirants. Thoroughly decoding past exam trends related to Classical Sanskrit Authorship helps you understand the examiner's mindset. Mastering specific entities like Somadeva Kathasaritsagara and Bilhana Chaurapanchasika builds the analytical intuition needed to clear the exam. Practice Previous Year Questions here →

    UPSC Question Bank | Verified
    Live Archive Status