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

  1. Swapnavasavadatta
  2. Malavikagnimitra
  3. Meghadoota
  4. Ratnavati

Explanation

Option (b) is correct
  • The Malavikagnimitra is a Sanskrit play by Kalidasa. Based on some events of the reign of Pushyamitra Shunga, it is his first play. Malavikagnimitra tells the story of the love of Agnimitra (son of Pushyamitra), the Shunga Emperor at Vidisha, for the beautiful handmaiden of his chief queen.

Additional Information

  • Kalidasa was one of the navratnas of Chandragupta II. The notable feature of his works include the display of an element of humour, with the characters of higher caste speaking in Sanskrit while those of lower caste and women speaking in Prakrit.
  • Kalidasa invokes Shiva in the beginning of his works and names him Triloknath.
  • Some of his works are.
  • Meghaduta.
  • Abhijyanashakuntalam: Centers on the love story between King Dushyanta and Shakuntala. It was first translated in English by Charles Wilkins and is one of the most widely translated works.
  • Kumarasambhavam: Story about the birth of Shiva and Parvati’s son and also contains references of Sati system.
  • Raghuvamsha: Depicts Vishnu as the origin and the end of the universe.
  • Ritusamhara: Poem describing the cycle of seasons.
Option (a) is incorrect
  • Bhasa is one of the most celebrated Indian playwrights, and is the author of Swapnavasavadatta. It is a play written in six acts. It is based on the romantic narrative that tells the tale of Vatsa King Udayana, one of the most revered rulers of India’s many kingdoms, and Vasavadatta, who was the daughter of the ruler of Avanti.
  • Thirteen Plays of Bhasa: Pratijnayaugandharayana, Svapnavasavadatta, Carudatta, Pancaratra, Madhyamavyayoga, Pratima-nataka, Dutavakya, Dutaghatotkaca, Karnabhara, Urubhanga, Avimaraka, Balacarita, Abhiseka.
Option (c) is incorrect
  • Meghaduta (The Cloud Messenger) is a famous lyrical poem by Kalidasa, known for its exquisite imagery, emotion, and beauty. Written in Sanskrit, the poem narrates the story of a Yaksha (a nature spirit) who, exiled by his master, Kubera (the god of wealth), is separated from his beloved wife and is longing to be reunited with her. The poem unfolds as the Yaksha enlists the help of a passing cloud to carry a message of love to his wife
Option (d) is incorrect
  • Harsha Vardhana (c. 606−647 CE) was a great patron of the arts and learning.
  • It is believed that he wrote three dramas Priyadarshika, Ratnavali (both romantic comedies), and Nagananda (based on Bodhisattva Jimutavahana).
  • Ratnavali, is a Sanskrit drama narrating the story of Princess Ratnavali and King Udayana.
    • King Udayana was the hero of three Sanskrit dramas, viz., Svapnavasavadatta of Bhasa, Priyadarshika, and Ratnavali of Harsha.
Answer: (b) Malavikagnimitra; Difficulty Level: Hard
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