Q80. Which of the following literary works was NOT composed in Sanskrit?
[RRB NTPC, 2017]
A. Tirukkural
B. Meghaduta
C. Raghuvamsha
D. Kumarasambhava
Answer: A. Tirukkural
Explanation: The Tirukkural is a classical Tamil text attributed to Thiruvalluvar, whereas the other three listed works belong to the classical Sanskrit literary tradition.
Q79. Bhaskaravarman, mentioned by Banabhatta in Harshacharita, belonged to which ruling house?
[UPSC CDS-II, 2017]
A. Varman dynasty of Kamarupa
B. Maukhari dynasty
C. Pushyabhuti dynasty
D. Maitraka dynasty
Answer: A. Varman dynasty of Kamarupa
Explanation: Bhaskaravarman ruled Kamarupa in Assam and maintained friendly relations with Harsha. Banabhatta’s narrative refers to diplomatic exchanges between their courts.
Q78. Which Sanskrit work contains a love story involving the son of the founder of the Shunga dynasty?
[UPSC CSE Prelims, 2016]
A. Malavikagnimitram
B. Swapnavasavadattam
C. Ratnavali
D. Mrichchhakatika
Answer: A. Malavikagnimitram
Explanation: Kalidasa’s Malavikagnimitram centres on Agnimitra, son of Shunga founder Pushyamitra, and Malavika while also containing references to Shunga political events.
Q77. Kautilya’s Arthashastra is principally a treatise on:
[UPSC NDA, 2016]
A. Statecraft
B. Grammar
C. Medicine
D. Poetics
Answer: A. Statecraft
Explanation: Its extensive discussions encompass government, taxation, diplomacy, espionage, warfare, courts, agriculture, commerce and state-controlled economic activities.
Q76. Which author–work pair is correctly matched?
[Karnataka PSC, 2016]
A. Bharavi–Kiratarjuniya
B. Harsha–Nagananda
C. Kalidasa–Malavikagnimitram
D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Explanation: Bharavi wrote Kiratarjuniya, Harsha is credited with Nagananda, and Malavikagnimitram is one of Kalidasa’s three surviving Sanskrit dramas.
Q75. Which Sanskrit works draw their central themes from the Mahabharata: 1. Naishadhiyacharita 2. Kiratarjuniya 3. Shishupalavadha 4. Dashakumaracharita?
[RPSC/RAS Prelims, 2016]
A. 1, 2 and 3
B. 1 and 4
C. 2 and 4
D. All four
Answer: A. 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: The first three mahakavyas use epic-associated themes or characters, whereas Dandin’s Dashakumaracharita is a prose adventure narrative about ten princes.
Q74. Sushruta is popularly known as the:
[RRB NTPC, 2016]
A. Father of Indian Surgery
B. Father of Sanskrit Grammar
C. Father of Astronomy
D. Father of Indian Drama
Answer: A. Father of Indian Surgery
Explanation: The Sushruta Samhita describes surgical instruments, operations, anatomy and wound care, leading to Sushruta’s traditional reputation as a pioneer of surgery.
Q73. Who is traditionally regarded as the author of the Panchatantra?
[RRB NTPC, 2016]
A. Vishnu Sharma
B. Bana
C. Kalhana
D. Shudraka
Answer: A. Vishnu Sharma
Explanation: Vishnu Sharma supposedly composed the instructional fables to educate princes in practical wisdom, statecraft and human behaviour through memorable interconnected stories.
Q72. Panchasiddhantika was written by:
[RRB NTPC, 2016]
A. Varahamihira
B. Aryabhata
C. Brahmagupta
D. Bhaskara II
Answer: A. Varahamihira
Explanation: The work summarises five astronomical systems and is particularly valuable for preserving information about earlier Indian and Greco-Roman astronomical traditions.
Q71. Who compiled/composed the Tirukkural?
[RRB NTPC, 2016]
A. Thiruvalluvar
B. Ilango Adigal
C. Sattanar
D. Kamban
Answer: A. Thiruvalluvar
Explanation: Thiruvalluvar’s 1,330 concise couplets are grouped under virtue, wealth and love, giving the Tirukkural enduring ethical and literary significance.
