Ancient Books — Set 4

Correct Answer: B. Bhaskara II

• **Bhaskara II** = This famous mathematical treatise on arithmetic and geometry was named after his daughter, Lilavati. • **1150 CE** — This treatise forms the first part of Bhaskara II's larger work, 'Siddhanta Shiromani'. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Aryabhata: authored 'Aryabhatiya', focused on astronomy and mathematics; Mahavira: a Jain mathematician known for 'Ganita Sara Sangraha'; Sridhara: contributed to algebra and arithmetic rules.

Correct Answer: A. Bharavi

• **Bharavi** = He wrote this Sanskrit Mahakavya about the combat between Arjuna and Lord Shiva disguised as a Kirata. • **6th century CE** — This work is celebrated for its complexity and poetic depth, considered one of the six standard epics of Sanskrit literature. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Bhatti: authored 'Bhattikavya' known for illustrating grammar; Magha: famous for 'Shishupala Vadha', another major Sanskrit epic; Sriharsha: a 12th-century poet known for 'Naishadha Charita'.

Correct Answer: A. Dandin

• **Dandin** = This 7th-century Sanskrit author wrote this prose romance detailing the adventures of ten young men. • **Ten princes** — The narrative describes the adventures of these ten young men, offering vivid descriptions of society including crime and gambling. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Banabhatta: known for 'Harshacharita' and 'Kadambari'; Subandhu: authored the Sanskrit romance 'Vasavadatta'; Bharavi: wrote the epic poem 'Kiratarjuniya'.

Correct Answer: A. Faxian (Fa-Hien)

• **Faxian (Fa-Hien)** = This ancient Chinese monk authored 'Fo-Kwo-Ki' (Record of Buddhist Kingdoms) during his visit to India. • **5th century** — His travelogue provides valuable information about the prosperity and peace of the Gupta Empire under Chandragupta II. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Hui-li: a biographer of Xuanzang, did not travel to India; Xuanzang: another prominent Chinese pilgrim who visited India in the 7th century; I-Tsing: a Chinese Buddhist monk who recorded observations on Indian Buddhist culture in the 7th century.

Correct Answer: D. Kalidasa

• **Kalidasa** = He wrote 'Vikramorvashiyam', a play about the love between mortal king Pururavas and celestial nymph Urvashi. • **Three** — This play is one of his major dramas, known for its lyrical beauty, and explores themes of love and separation. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Bhasa: an early Sanskrit playwright, famous for 'Svapnavasavadattam'; Harsha: Emperor Harshavardhana, also a playwright known for 'Nagananda'; Bhavabhuti: an 8th-century playwright, known for 'Malatimadhava' and 'Uttaramacharita'.

Correct Answer: B. Bhartrihari

• **Bhartrihari** = He wrote 'Nitishataka', a collection of ethical and political aphorisms, as one of his three 'Shatakas' or centuries of verses. • **Three** — He wrote three 'Shatakas' on ethics, love, and renunciation, with 'Nitishataka' specifically focusing on wise conduct and social morality. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Rajasekhara: a 9th-10th century poet and critic known for 'Kavyamimamsa'; Dandin: authored 'Dashakumaracharita', a prose romance; Bhamaha: an early Sanskrit literary critic known for 'Kavyalankara'.

Correct Answer: B. Bhavabhuti

• **Bhavabhuti** = This 8th-century playwright authored 'Uttaramacharita', a drama focusing on the later life of Rama. • **8th century** — His masterpiece is known for its emotional depth and treatment of 'Karuna Rasa' (pathos), covering the exile of Sita and the family's reunion. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Vishakhadatta: authored 'Mudrarakshasa', a historical play; Bhasa: an early Sanskrit playwright, known for 'Svapnavasavadattam'; Kalidasa: a classical Sanskrit writer, famous for plays like 'Abhijnanashakuntalam'.

Correct Answer: A. Someshvara III

• **Someshvara III** = This Western Chalukya king authored 'Manasollasa', an encyclopedic work on medieval Indian life and royalty. • **12th-century** — This vast Sanskrit text covers governance, music, food, and sports, offering invaluable insight into courtly culture and daily life. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Vikramaditya VI: father and predecessor of Someshvara III; Tailapa II: founder of the Western Chalukya dynasty; Pulakeshin II: a famous Badami Chalukya king who defeated Harshavardhana.

Correct Answer: B. Harshavardhana

• **Harshavardhana** = This ancient Indian ruler wrote 'Nagananda', a Sanskrit play blending Hindu mythology with Buddhist themes of self-sacrifice. • **Snakes** — The play tells the story of Prince Jimutavahana, who sacrifices his life to save a race of these creatures, highlighting Buddhist compassion. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Kharavela: an ancient Kalinga king known for the Hathigumpha inscription; Mahendravarman: a Pallava king and playwright known for 'Mattavilasa Prahasana'; Bhoja: a Paramara king and polymath, credited with works like 'Samarangana Sutradhara'.

Correct Answer: D. Dignaga

• **Dignaga** = He wrote 'Pramana-samuccaya', a foundational text of Buddhist logic and epistemology. • **Valid knowledge** — Dignaga established the systematic study of 'Pramana', or the means of valid knowledge, profoundly influencing Indian philosophy. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: Dharmakirti: a successor to Dignaga, who further developed Buddhist logic; Vasubandhu: an influential Buddhist philosopher known for 'Abhidharmakosha Bhashyam'; Asanga: a key figure and co-founder of the Yogacara school of Buddhism.