Ancient & Classical — Set 6
Books & Authors · प्राचीन और शास्त्रीय · Questions 51–60 of 60
Which work is considered the first 'Novel' of the world, written by Banabhatta?
Correct Answer: A. Kadambari
Banabhatta wrote Kadambari in the 7th century, though it was completed by his son. It is a complex romantic tale involving multiple births and intricate sub-plots. It remains a pinnacle of Sanskrit prose literature.
The 'Brihat-Katha', from which many later story collections originated, was written by?
Correct Answer: B. Gunadhya
Gunadhya wrote the original Brihat-Katha in a dialect called 'Paishachi', which is now lost. Its stories were later adapted into famous works like the Kathasaritsagara. It is considered one of the three great pillars of Indian literature along with the two epics.
Who wrote 'Panchatantra'?
Correct Answer: C. Vishnu Sharma
Vishnu Sharma is the author of these timeless fables. They were created to teach statecraft to the sons of a king. The book is divided into five parts, hence the name Panchatantra.
The 'Srimad Bhagavad Gita' is part of which book of the Mahabharata?
Correct Answer: B. Bhisma Parva
The Bhagavad Gita is found in the Bhisma Parva, consisting of the 700 verses spoken by Krishna to Arjuna. It is the most influential philosophical text of the Hindu tradition. It addresses the ethical dilemma of performing one's duty without attachment.
Which Buddhist scholar wrote the 'Madhyamaka Karika', founding the Middle Way school?
Correct Answer: B. Nagarjuna
Nagarjuna lived in the 2nd century AD and is one of the most important philosophers in Buddhism. He developed the concept of 'Shunyata' or emptiness. He is often called the 'Second Buddha' in some traditions.
Who is the author of the Sanskrit comedy 'Malavikagnimitram'?
Correct Answer: B. Kalidasa
This was the first play written by Kalidasa, based on historical characters from the Shunga dynasty. It depicts the love between King Agnimitra and an exiled servant girl named Malavika. It is noted for its courtly intrigue and lively dialogue.
The ancient text 'Manusmriti' is primarily a work of?
Correct Answer: A. Law and Social Conduct
Manusmriti is one of the most important Dharmashastras of ancient India. It lays down rules for social classes, life stages, and the legal duties of kings. The text has significantly shaped traditional Hindu social organization for centuries.
Who wrote 'Ratnavali'?
Correct Answer: B. Harshavardhana
King Harshavardhana of Kannauj is the author of this Sanskrit drama. It is a romantic play about the king Udayana and a princess. Harsha was a great patron of the arts and a ruler during the 7th century.
The 'Tirumandiram', a key text of Shaiva Siddhanta, was written by?
Correct Answer: C. Tirumular
Tirumular was one of the 63 Nayanmars and an early Tamil Siddha. His work discusses the union of the soul with Shiva through the path of Yoga. It contains the famous spiritual teaching that 'Love is God'.
Which Greek historian is known as the 'Father of History' and wrote about India?
Correct Answer: B. Herodotus
Herodotus mention Indian tribes and their gold-gathering ants in his 5th-century BC works. Although he never visited India, he compiled reports from Persian sources. His work is the first attempt at a systematic universal history in the Western world.