Q150. Who wrote Kumarasambhavam?
[WBCS Prelims, 2023]
A. Kalidasa
B. Bharavi
C. Bhavabhuti
D. Magha
Answer: A. Kalidasa
Explanation: Kalidasa’s Kumarasambhavam is a Sanskrit mahakavya describing the birth of Kumara or Kartikeya, particularly the union of Shiva and Parvati.
Q149. Who authored the Sanskrit play Mrichchhakatika?
[UPPSC APS, 2023]
A. Shudraka
B. Kalidasa
C. Bhasa
D. Vishakhadatta
Answer: A. Shudraka
Explanation: Mrichchhakatika, or The Little Clay Cart, is traditionally attributed to Shudraka and depicts romance, urban society, politics and social diversity.
Q148. Who is the celebrated commentator associated with the Manusmriti commentary called Manvarthamuktavali?
[UPPSC APS, 2023]
A. Kulluka Bhatta
B. Medhatithi
C. Vijnaneshvara
D. Jimutavahana
Answer: A. Kulluka Bhatta
Explanation: Kulluka Bhatta’s influential commentary helped shape later readings of the Manusmriti, one of the major Dharmashastra texts of the Sanskrit tradition.
Q147. Kumarasambhava was composed by which Sanskrit poet?
[UPPSC Medical Officer, 2023]
A. Kalidasa
B. Banabhatta
C. Bharavi
D. Dandin
Answer: A. Kalidasa
Explanation: The poem celebrates the birth of Kartikeya and is admired for Kalidasa’s descriptions of nature, love, asceticism and the Shiva-Parvati narrative.
Q146. Milindapanha records a philosophical dialogue between King Milinda and which Buddhist monk?
[UPPCS Prelims, 2023]
A. Nagasena
B. Vasumitra
C. Upali
D. Ashvaghosha
Answer: A. Nagasena
Explanation: Milindapanha presents questions posed by Indo-Greek king Menander, or Milinda, and responses by monk Nagasena on Buddhist philosophy, identity and rebirth.
Q145. The Charaka Samhita is traditionally organised into how many sections and chapters?
[UPPCS Prelims, 2023]
A. 6 sections and 100 chapters
B. 8 sections and 120 chapters
C. 10 sections and 108 chapters
D. 12 sections and 150 chapters
Answer: B. 8 sections and 120 chapters
Explanation: The received Charaka Samhita is divided into eight Sthanas and traditionally 120 chapters, covering diagnosis, therapeutics, physiology and principles of Ayurveda.
Q144. Mrichchhakatika is traditionally attributed to:
[UPSC NDA-I, 2023]
A. Shudraka
B. Harsha
C. Bhasa
D. Bhavabhuti
Answer: A. Shudraka
Explanation: The ten-act Sanskrit drama combines the love story of Charudatta and Vasantasena with political intrigue, providing vivid representations of ancient urban society.
Q143. Arrange these works/traditions chronologically according to the exam key: 1. Charaka Samhita 2. Natyashastra 3. Sangam literature 4. Ashtadhyayi.
[UPSC NDA-II, 2023]
A. 4-3-1-2
B. 3-4-2-1
C. 4-1-3-2
D. 1-4-2-3
Answer: A. 4-3-1-2
Explanation: The keyed sequence places Panini earliest, followed by early Sangam compositions, the Charaka tradition and the developed form of Bharata’s Natyashastra. Exact datings remain debated.
Q142. Who wrote Mrichchhakatika?
[SSC CGL, 2023]
A. Shudraka
B. Kalidasa
C. Harsha
D. Vishakhadatta
Answer: A. Shudraka
Explanation: Shudraka is the traditional author of this celebrated Sanskrit social drama featuring Charudatta and Vasantasena and a wide spectrum of urban characters.
Q141. The famous ‘Battle of Ten Kings’ or Dasharajna is described in which ancient text?
[WBCS Mains, 2023]
A. Atharvaveda
B. Rigveda
C. Ramayana
D. Mahabharata
Answer: B. Rigveda
Explanation: The Battle of Ten Kings is described in the seventh Mandala of the Rigveda and centres on King Sudas and a confederacy of rival tribes.
