UPSC Prelims 2003 · General Studies

Question 42: History and Culture

‘Mrichchhakatika’ an ancient Indian book written by Shudraka deals with

aThe love affair of a rich merchant with the daughter of a courtesan

bThe victory of Chandragupta II over the Shaka Kshatrapas of western India

cThe military expeditions and exploits of Samudragupta

dThe love affair between a Gupta King and a princess of Kamarupa

AnswerThe answer is (a).

Mrichchhakatika (The Little Clay Cart), attributed to Shudraka, is an early Sanskrit play about the love of Charudatta, a once-wealthy and now impoverished merchant, and Vasantasena, a courtesan, with a political sub-plot of the overthrow of King Palaka. Chandragupta II's victory over the Shakas is told in other sources, such as Vishakhadatta's Devichandraguptam, and Samudragupta's campaigns in the Prayag Prashasti.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Correct: the merchant Charudatta's love for the courtesan Vasantasena.
(b) The conquest of the Shaka Kshatrapas belongs to other sources, such as Devichandraguptam.
(c) Samudragupta's expeditions are told in the Prayag Prashasti.
(d) The play has no Gupta king and Kamarupa princess love story.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2003, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.