About the Topic: Ancient Indian Books covers important religious, historical and literary texts along with their authors. Practice MCQ Questions with answers and detailed explanations for UPSC preparation.
Who of the following was the writer of Mudrarakshasa?
Correct Answer:
(B) Vishakhadatta
Mudrarakshasa written by Vishakhadatta is a drama in Sanskrit. Although written during the Gupta period, it describes how Chandragupta with the assistance of Kautilya overthrew the Nandas. It also gives a picture of the socio- economic condition under the Mauryas.
Ques: 2
Which of the following drama was not written by Kalidas?
Correct Answer:
(D)
Janaki haranama
In the given options all the epics are written by Kalidas except Janaki-haranam. Janaki-haranam was written by Kumaradasa.
Ques: 3
‘Rajatarangini’ written by Kalhan is associated with which of the following?
Correct Answer:
(C) History of Kashmir
Kalhana, a Kashmiri, was the author of Rajatarangini (River of Kings) which gives an account of the history of Kashmir.
Ques: 4
Which of the following Sanskrit works has taken up their theme from the Mahabharata?
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
(i) Naishdhiyacharita (ii) Kiratarjuniyam
(iii) Sisupalavadha (iv) Dasakumaracharita
Code:
Correct Answer:
(D)
(i), (ii) and (iii)
Naishadhiyacharita is a story of Nala and Damayanti in the Mahabharata written by Sriharsha; Kiratarjuniyam is an epic poem describing combat between Arjuna and Lord Shiva in the Mahabharata. Magha wrote Sisupalavadha which is based on the Mahabharata in which Sisupala insulted Lord Krishna who beheaded him in the ensuing duel and Dashkumarcharitam was written by Dandi and is related to adventures of 10 princes. Thus option (1), (2) and (3) are related to the theme of Mahabharata.
Ques: 5
Who was the author of the book ‘ Manimekalai’?
Correct Answer:
(B) Seethalai Saathanaar
The author of Manimekalai is Seethalai Saathanaar (also spelled as Chithalai Chathanar), a Buddhist poet. The book is a poem in 30 cantos. It is a sequel to the epic Silappadikaram and tells the story of the daughter of Kovalan and Madhavi who converted to Buddhism. The book compares Buddhism with other religions in South India. Manimekalai is one of the Five Great Epics of Tamil Literature. The other four are: Silappatikāram, Cīvaka Cintāmaṇi, Valayapathi, Kuṇṭalakēci. Manimekalai has been dated between the 2nd-century and early 9th century.
Ques: 6
Saundarananda was the composition of:
Correct Answer:
(A) Ashvaghosa
Ashvaghosa, a noted poet, is considered to be instrumental in the propagation of Buddhism. He was also the writer of a famous court poem of his times called the Saundarananda Kavya. This poem was discovered and edited by Pandit Haraprasada Shastri.
Ques: 7
“Nagananda”, ‘Ratnavali’ and ‘Priyadarshika’ was written by:
Correct Answer:
(D)
Harshavardhana
Besides being a great conqueror, a religious-minded and generous king, Harshavardhana was also a great satron of education and learning. He is supposed to be the author of ‘Ratnavali,’ ‘Priyadarshika’ and ‘Nagananda’.