UPSC CSE Prelims
Indian Theatre & Puppetry Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Showing solved Previous Year Questions for Chapter: Indian Theatre & Puppetry
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Which one of the following is a work attributed to playwright Bhasa?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 3 — Madhyama-vyayoga
Madhyama-vyayoga is a famous Sanskrit play attributed to Bhasa, one of ancient India's most celebrated playwrights who predated Kalidasa. The play, meaning 'The Middle One', is part of a trilogy based on the Mahabharata and showcases Bhasa's characteristic dramatic intensity and emotional depth.
Let's examine why the other options are incorrect:
❌ Option 1 – Kavyalankara: This is a treatise on Sanskrit poetics (alamkara shastra) composed by the scholar Bhamaha, not Bhasa.
❌ Option 2 – Natyashastra: This foundational text on Indian dramaturgy, dance, and performing arts is attributed to the sage Bharata Muni, not Bhasa.
❌ Option 4 – Mahabhashya: This is the great commentary on Panini's Ashtadhyayi grammar, composed by the grammarian Patanjali, not a dramatic work by Bhasa.
📝 Short Notes: Bhasa and Classical Sanskrit Drama
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Bhasa's Period | 3rd-4th century CE (possibly earlier); predated Kalidasa |
| Major Works | 13 plays attributed to him including Svapnavasavadatta, Pratijnayaugandharayana, Pancharatra, Madhyama-vyayoga, Dutavakya, Karnabhara, Urubhanga |
| Themes | Mostly based on Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Buddhist stories; known for emotional intensity and heroic characters |
| Style | Simple yet powerful dialogue; expert use of prakrit languages; focus on action and sentiment (rasa) |
| Madhyama-vyayoga | Part of a trilogy depicting events from Mahabharata; centers on Bhima as the 'middle' Pandava brother |
| Discovery | Bhasa's plays were rediscovered in early 20th century by Pandit Ganapati Shastri in Kerala |
With reference to the history of ancient India, Bhavabhuti, Hastimalla and Kshemeshvara were famous
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — Playwrights
Bhavabhuti, Hastimalla, and Kshemeshvara were renowned playwrights in ancient and early medieval India who contributed significantly to Sanskrit drama. Bhavabhuti (8th century) served in the court of King Yashovarman of Kannauj and wrote famous plays like Malatimadhava and Uttararamacharita. Hastimalla (13th century) was a Jain playwright during the Hoysala period known for works like Vikrantakaurava, while Kshemeshvara (10th century) served King Mahipala of the Pala dynasty and authored plays such as Chandakaushika.
📝 Short Notes: Famous Sanskrit Playwrights of Ancient India
| Playwright | Period | Court/Patronage | Notable Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bhavabhuti | 8th century CE | King Yashovarman of Kannauj | Malatimadhava, Mahaviracharita, Uttararamacharita |
| Hastimalla | 13th century CE | Hoysala period (Jain playwright) | Vikrantakaurava, Maithilikalyana, Anjanapavananjaya |
| Kshemeshvara | 10th century CE | King Mahipala (Pala dynasty) | Chandakaushika, Naishadhananda |
| Kalidasa | 4th-5th century CE | Gupta period | Abhijnanasakuntalam, Vikramorvasiyam, Malavikagnimitram |
| Shudraka | 3rd-4th century CE | Gupta period | Mrichchhakatika (The Little Clay Cart) |
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