UPSC Prelims 2002 Q35: Ancient History – Mauryan Empire
The ancient Indian play Mudrarakshasa of Visakhadutt has its subject on
- (a) a conflict between Gods and Demons of ancient Hindu lore
- (b) a romantic story of an Aryan prince and a tribal woman
- (c) the story of the power struggle between two Aryan tribes
- (d) the court intrigues at the time of Chandragupta Maurya
Answer: (d) the court intrigues at the time of Chandragupta Maurya
Explanation
Subject of Visakhadatta's play Mudrarakshasa
| Play | Subject |
|---|---|
| Mudrarakshasa (Visakhadatta) | Court intrigues at the time of Chandragupta Maurya — Chanakya wins over the minister Rakshasa |
| Abhijnanashakuntalam (Kalidasa) | Romantic story of King Dushyanta and Shakuntala |
| Devichandraguptam (Visakhadatta) | Lost play on Ramagupta and Chandragupta II |
| Mrichchhakatika (Shudraka) | Social comedy of Charudatta and Vasantasena |
Mudrarakshasa is a historical political drama in Sanskrit. It describes how Chanakya, using intrigue and diplomacy, wins the minister Rakshasa of the Nandas over to Chandragupta Maurya. It is a prime source on court politics at the time of the first Maurya.
Answer: (d) the court intrigues at the time of Chandragupta Maurya.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The play does not describe a conflict between gods and demons.
- (b) Incorrect. A romance of a prince and a tribal woman is not its theme.
- (c) Incorrect. It is not a power struggle between two Aryan tribes.
- (d) CORRECT. It deals with the intrigues of Chanakya and Rakshasa.
Key point
Mudrarakshasa: Visakhadatta, 4th-8th century CE; Chanakya, Rakshasa, Chandragupta; the 'mudra' is the signet ring.
Remember
Mudrarakshasa = Chanakya's diplomacy for Chandragupta Maurya.
Common mistakes
- Choosing romance because most Sanskrit plays are romantic.
- Mixing it up with the romantic plays of Kalidasa on the same era.
- Not linking Chanakya with the Mauryan court.
Exam tip
Play named 'Rakshasa' with Chanakya: Maurya court politics.
Sources
- NCERT Class XI — Themes in Indian History
- R. S. Sharma — Ancient India