Ancient & Classical — Set 3
Books & Authors · प्राचीन और शास्त्रीय · Questions 21–30 of 60
Who is the author of the biography 'Harshacharita'?
Correct Answer: A. Banabhatta
Banabhatta was the court poet of King Harshavardhana and is known for his ornate prose style. This work is the first formal historical biography in the Sanskrit language. He also wrote the world's first novel, Kadambari.
The book 'Milinda Panha' records a dialogue between which Indo-Greek king and a Buddhist monk?
Correct Answer: C. Menander I
Menander I, known in Indian sources as Milinda, discusses philosophical questions with the monk Nagasena. This text is highly regarded in Theravada Buddhism for its logical arguments. It illustrates the interaction between Greek and Indian cultures.
Which work of Kalidasa is an epic poem describing the lineage of the solar dynasty?
Correct Answer: D. Raghuvaṃśa
Raghuvaṃśa details the stories of the kings of the Ikshvaku dynasty, including Lord Rama. It consists of 19 cantos and is one of the five Mahakavyas (great epics) of Sanskrit. The poem is praised for its elegant descriptions and similes.
Who authored the 'Sushruta Samhita', the ancient foundational text on surgery?
Correct Answer: C. Sushruta
Sushruta is often called the 'Father of Plastic Surgery' for describing early rhinoplasty techniques. His Samhita provides detailed instructions for over 300 types of operations. It also categorizes more than 1,100 diseases and hundreds of medicinal plants.
The 'Amarakosha', the most celebrated Sanskrit lexicon or dictionary, was written by?
Correct Answer: A. Amarasimha
Amarasimha was a Buddhist scholar and one of the 'nine jewels' in the court of Vikramaditya. His work organizes Sanskrit words into thematic groups for easy learning. It has been used for centuries by students to master the Sanskrit vocabulary.
Which ancient scholar wrote the 'Mahabhashya', a commentary on Panini's grammar?
Correct Answer: D. Patanjali
Patanjali is primarily known for this monumental linguistic work as well as the Yoga Sutras. He lived in the 2nd century BC and was a contemporary of the Shunga ruler Pushyamitra. His commentary is essential for understanding the nuances of ancient Sanskrit.
The 'Pancha-Siddhantika' is an astronomical treatise summarizing five systems, written by?
Correct Answer: C. Varahamihira
Varahamihira compiled this text to preserve ancient knowledge from various sources, including Greek influences. It is a crucial historical link between early and classical Indian astronomy. The five systems discussed are the Surya, Romaka, Paulisa, Vasishtha, and Paitamaha Siddhantas.
Who is the author of 'Natya Shastra', the primary treatise on Indian performing arts?
Correct Answer: A. Bharat Muni
Bharat Muni is the legendary sage credited with writing this comprehensive work on drama, music, and dance. It introduces the concept of 'Rasa' (aesthetic flavor) which is central to Indian arts. The text is often referred to as the 'Fifth Veda'.
The book 'Kamasutra', a famous ancient Indian text on human behavior and relationships, was written by?
Correct Answer: A. Vatsyayana
Vatsyayana lived in the 3rd century AD and focused on the socio-cultural aspects of life in ancient India. While famous for its sections on intimacy, the book also discusses urban living and etiquette. It provides a unique window into the lifestyle of the ancient Indian urban elite.
Which ancient Indian poet wrote the 'Meghaduta' (The Cloud Messenger)?
Correct Answer: D. Kalidasa
Kalidasa's Meghaduta is a lyric poem where a Yaksha sends a message to his wife via a passing cloud. It is renowned for its vivid geographical descriptions of the Indian landscape. The work pioneered the 'Sandesha Kavya' genre of Sanskrit poetry.