UPSC Prelims 2003 Q42: Art & Culture – Literature & Languages
‘Mrichchhakatika’ an ancient Indian book written by Shudraka deals with
- (a) The love affair of a rich merchant with the daughter of a courtesan
- (b) The victory of Chandragupta II over the Shaka Kshatrapas of western India
- (c) The military expeditions and exploits of Samudragupta
- (d) The love affair between a Gupta King and a princess of Kamarupa
Answer: (a) The love affair of a rich merchant with the daughter of a courtesan
Explanation
Mrichchhakatika of Shudraka
| Option | Theme |
|---|---|
| Love affair of a (once rich) merchant with a courtesan's daughter | Yes — Charudatta and Vasantasena |
| Victory of Chandragupta II over Shaka Kshatrapas | No — that is Vishakhadatta's *Devichandraguptam* |
| Exploits of Samudragupta | No — Harishena's Prayag Prashasti |
| Gupta king and a princess of Kamarupa | No |
The play *Mrichchhakatika* (The Little Clay Cart) by Shudraka deals with the love of Charudatta, a merchant-Brahmin who has lost his wealth, and Vasantasena, a courtesan's daughter.
Answer: (a) The love affair of a rich merchant with the daughter of a courtesan.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. The play is about Charudatta and Vasantasena.
- (b) Incorrect. Chandragupta II's victory is the theme of another work.
- (c) Incorrect. Samudragupta's exploits are in the Prayag Prashasti.
- (d) Incorrect. The Kamarupa princess is not the theme.
Key point
Sanskrit plays: Mrichchhakatika (Shudraka), Shakuntala (Kalidasa), Mudrarakshasa (Vishakhadatta).
Remember
Mrichchhakatika is the love story of Charudatta and Vasantasena.
Common mistakes
- Mixing up Shudraka with Kalidasa.
- Thinking it is a historical court work.
- Forgetting that Charudatta had become poor.
Exam tip
Mrichchhakatika = The Little Clay Cart.
Sources
- Shudraka — Mrichchhakatika (The Little Clay Cart), translated by Arthur W. Ryder (1905)
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Mrichchhakatika