Varahamihira and related authors — UPSC Prelims PYQ 1997

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer by using the codes given below the lists:

List I (Author)

1. Varahamihira
2. Visakhadatta
3. Sudraka
4. Bilhana

List II (Text)

1. Prabandha Chintamani
2. Mrchchhakatikam
3. Brhat-Samhita
4. Devi Chandraguptam
5. Vikramankadevacharita

Codes:

1. I-C, II-D, III-E, IV-B
2. I-C, II-D, III-B, IV-E
3. I-E, II-C, III-D, IV-A
4. I-A, II-C, III-E, IV-B

Explanation

Option (b) is correct

• Varahamihira is associated with Brhat-Samhita, an encyclopedic Sanskrit work on astronomy, astrology, architecture, geography and omens. Visakhadatta wrote Devi Chandraguptam, which deals with political events involving Chandragupta II and Ramagupta. Sudraka authored Mrchchhakatikam, a Sanskrit drama on urban life, love and society. Bilhana wrote Vikramankadevacharita, a biography of the Western Chalukya king Vikramaditya VI. Prabandha Chintamani was written by Merutunga, so it is the incorrect match here.

Answer: (b) I-C, II-D, III-B, IV-E