UPSC Prelims 2016 Q10: Art & Culture – Literature & Languages
Which one of the following books of ancient India has the love story of the son of the
founder of Sunga dynasty?
- (a) Swapnavasavadatta
- (b) Malavikagnimitra
- (c) Meghadoota
- (d) Ratnavali
Answer: (b) Malavikagnimitra
Explanation
Love story of the son of the founder of the Sunga dynasty
Pushyamitra Sunga founded the dynasty about 185 BCE.
His son was Agnimitra.
Kalidasa's play Malavikagnimitra tells of Agnimitra's love for Malavika.
| Book | Author | Type | Story |
|---|---|---|---|
| (a) Swapnavasavadatta | Bhasa | Play | King Udayana and Vasavadatta |
| (b) Malavikagnimitra | Kalidasa | Play | Agnimitra and Malavika |
| (c) Meghadoota | Kalidasa | Lyric poem | A Yaksha sends a message by a cloud |
| (d) Ratnavali | Harsha | Play | King Udayana and Ratnavali |
Kalidasa's works:
| Type | Works |
|---|---|
| Plays | Malavikagnimitra, Vikramorvashiya, Abhijnanashakuntala |
| Epic poems | Raghuvamsha, Kumarasambhava |
| Lyric poems | Meghadoota, Ritusamhara |
Answer: (b) Malavikagnimitra.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Swapnavasavadatta by Bhasa is about King Udayana, not a Sunga prince.
- (b) CORRECT. Malavikagnimitra is the love story of Agnimitra, son of Pushyamitra Sunga.
- (c) Incorrect. Meghadoota is a poem about a Yaksha, with no Sunga link.
- (d) Incorrect. Ratnavali by Harsha is again about King Udayana.
Key point
Malavikagnimitra (Kalidasa): love of Agnimitra, son of Pushyamitra Sunga, for Malavika.
Remember
Malavikagnimitra = Agnimitra Sunga + Malavika.
Common mistakes
- Not spotting 'Agnimitra' inside the title Malavikagnimitra.
- Confusing plays about Udayana (Swapnavasavadatta, Ratnavali) with this one.
- Forgetting that the founder of the Sunga dynasty was Pushyamitra.
Exam tip
Split the title: Malavika + Agnimitra. The hero's name is in it.
Sources
- NCERT Class XII — Themes in Indian History Part I (Kings, Farmers and Towns)
- A.L. Basham — The Wonder That Was India (Language and Literature)