UPSC Prelims 2020 Q36: Art & Culture – Literature & Languages
With reference to the scholars/litterateurs of ancient India, consider the following
statements:
1. Panini is associated with Pushyamitra Shunga.
2. Amarasimha is associated with Harshavardhana.
3. Kalidasa is associated with Chandra Gupta - II.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c) 3 only
Explanation
Scholars of ancient India and their patrons
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Panini is associated with Pushyamitra Shunga | Incorrect | Panini wrote the Ashtadhyayi around the 5th to 4th century BCE; Pushyamitra ruled in the 2nd century BCE. The grammarian linked to Pushyamitra is Patanjali |
| 2. Amarasimha is associated with Harshavardhana | Incorrect | Amarasimha, author of the Amarakosha, is counted among the Navaratnas of Chandragupta II |
| 3. Kalidasa is associated with Chandra Gupta - II | Correct | Kalidasa adorned the court of Chandragupta II Vikramaditya |
Who belongs with whom:
| Ruler | Scholars |
|---|---|
| Pushyamitra Shunga | Patanjali (Mahabhashya) |
| Chandragupta II | Kalidasa, Amarasimha, Varahamihira (by tradition) |
| Harshavardhana | Banabhatta (Harshacharita, Kadambari), Mayura; Hiuen Tsang visited |
Only Statement 3 is right.
Answer: (c) 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Both are false: Panini predates Pushyamitra, and Amarasimha belongs to the Gupta court.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 2 is false; Amarasimha is linked to Chandragupta II, not Harshavardhana.
- (c) CORRECT. Only Kalidasa and Chandragupta II are rightly paired.
- (d) Incorrect. Statements 1 and 2 are false; only the Kalidasa pairing is right.
Key point
Panini: Ashtadhyayi (5th to 4th century BCE). Patanjali: Pushyamitra Shunga. Kalidasa and Amarasimha: Chandragupta II. Banabhatta: Harshavardhana.
Remember
Patanjali with Pushyamitra; Kalidasa with Chandragupta II; Bana with Harsha.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Panini with Patanjali, who wrote a commentary on Panini.
- Placing Amarasimha with Harsha in place of Banabhatta.
- Forgetting that the Navaratnas are tied by tradition to Chandragupta II.
Exam tip
Learn one court poet per king. Shunga: Patanjali. Gupta: Kalidasa. Harsha: Banabhatta.
Sources
- R.S. Sharma — India's Ancient Past (Chs on the Gupta Age and on Harsha)
- A.L. Basham — The Wonder That Was India, Ch on Language and Literature