UPSC CSE Prelims
Gupta Art, Literature and Science Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Practice solved questions for Gupta Art, Literature and Science with detailed step-by-step solutions, key insights, and trend analysis for UPSC CSE PRELIMS.
Solved Previous Year Questions
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With reference to the scholars/litterateurs of ancient India, consider the following statements:
- Panini is associated with Pushyamitra Shunga.
- Amarasimha is associated with Harshavardhana.
- Kalidasa is associated with Chandra Gupta-II.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 3 — 3 only
This question tests the association of ancient Indian scholars with their contemporary rulers. Only Kalidasa's association with Chandragupta II is historically accurate, while Panini and Amarasimha are incorrectly matched with the given rulers.
❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: Panini (5th-4th century BCE), author of Ashtadhyayi, lived centuries before Pushyamitra Shunga (2nd century BCE). Patanjali, not Panini, was contemporary to Pushyamitra Shunga.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: Amarasimha, author of Amarakosha, was one of the Navaratnas in the court of Chandragupta II (Gupta period), not Harshavardhana (7th century CE, Pushyabhuti dynasty).
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: Kalidasa, the greatest Sanskrit poet and dramatist, was indeed one of the Navaratnas in the court of Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya, r. 375-415 CE).
📝 Short Notes: Scholars and Their Patrons
| Scholar/Litterateur | Period/Century | Associated Ruler/Dynasty | Major Work(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panini | 5th-4th century BCE | Pre-Mauryan period | Ashtadhyayi (Sanskrit grammar) |
| Patanjali | 2nd century BCE | Pushyamitra Shunga | Mahabhashya (commentary on Panini) |
| Kalidasa | 4th-5th century CE | Chandragupta II (Gupta) | Abhijnanashakuntalam, Meghaduta, Raghuvamsa |
| Amarasimha | 4th-5th century CE | Chandragupta II (Gupta) | Amarakosha (Sanskrit thesaurus) |
| Banabhatta | 7th century CE | Harshavardhana | Harshacharita, Kadambari |
- Navaratnas of Chandragupta II: Included Kalidasa, Amarasimha, Dhanvantari, Varahamihira, Vararuchi, Kshapanaka, Shanku, Vetala Bhatta, and Ghatakarpara.
- Gupta Golden Age: The period of Chandragupta II (375-415 CE) marked the zenith of classical Sanskrit literature and learning.
- Harsha's Court: While Harshavardhana (r. 606-647 CE) was a patron of learning, his court litterateurs included Banabhatta and Mayura, not Amarasimha.
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