Ancient Literature and Litterateur

21. The Tolkappiyam is the name of :

The Tolkappiyam is the name of :

a step-well of Western India
the book on Tamil grammar
a collection of Tamil bhakti poems
a collection of Kannada poems
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The correct answer is B, identifying the Tolkappiyam as a book on Tamil grammar.
– The Tolkappiyam (தொல்காப்பியம்) is the most ancient extant work of Tamil literature.
– It is considered the foundational text of Tamil grammar.
– The text is divided into three parts: Ezhuttatikaram (orthography), Sollatikaram (morphology and syntax), and Porulatikaram (poetics and the conventions of Tamil life and literature).
– It provides detailed rules for Tamil phonology, morphology, and syntax, and also discusses aspects of literary form and content.
The exact date of Tolkappiyam is debated among scholars, but it is generally placed in the Sangam period, possibly sometime between the 3rd century BCE and the 5th century CE. It is a crucial source for understanding the ancient Tamil language and culture.

22. Amarasimha is the name of a :

Amarasimha is the name of a :

famous lexicographer of ancient India
Rajput king of Chalukya lineage
poet mentioned by Kautilya in his Arthashastra
dance form of Odisha
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The correct answer is A, identifying Amarasimha as a famous lexicographer of ancient India.
– Amarasimha (अमरसिंह) was a Sanskrit grammarian and poet from ancient India.
– He is renowned as the author of the ‘Amarakosha’ (अमरकोश), which is a celebrated thesaurus or lexicon in Sanskrit.
– The Amarakosha is organized thematically and is structured as verses to aid memorization.
– Amarasimha is traditionally placed in the court of Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya), who ruled during the Gupta period (around 4th-5th century CE).
The Amarakosha is one of the most important Sanskrit dictionaries and has been widely studied and commented upon for centuries. Its structure and content provide valuable insights into the vocabulary and classification of knowledge in ancient India. He is considered one of the nine gems (Navaratnas) in the court of Vikramaditya.

23. Which one of the following is believed to be a compilation of the psal

Which one of the following is believed to be a compilation of the psalms sung by the women ?

Sumangalavilasini
Therigatha
Stridharmapaddhati
Ritusamhara
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Therigatha is believed to be a compilation of the psalms sung by the women (early Buddhist nuns).
The Therigatha is a collection of verses attributed to early Buddhist nuns (theris), forming part of the Pali Canon. It contains their personal accounts of their struggles and achievements on the path to enlightenment, often expressed in poetic form, akin to spiritual songs or psalms.
Sumangalavilasini is a commentary on the Digha Nikaya. Stridharmapaddhati is a treatise on the duties of women in Hindu tradition. Ritusamhara is a poetic work by Kalidasa describing the seasons. Therigatha stands out as a unique collection of religious verses composed by women from ancient India.

24. Who among the following is the author of ‘Ashtadhyayi’, the Sanskrit

Who among the following is the author of ‘Ashtadhyayi’, the Sanskrit grammar?

Patanjali
Panini
Kalidasa
Banabhatta
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The correct answer is B. ‘Ashtadhyayi’, the foundational work on Sanskrit grammar, was written by Panini.
– Panini was an ancient Sanskrit philologist, grammarian, and a revered scholar in ancient India.
– His ‘Ashtadhyayi’ (meaning “Eight Chapters”) is a comprehensive and scientific treatise on the Sanskrit language, formulating its grammar in 3,959 sutras or aphorisms.
– It laid down the rules for Sanskrit grammar, phonetics, and morphology, and is considered one of the greatest linguistic works of all time.
Patanjali is known for his Mahabhasya, a commentary on Panini’s Ashtadhyayi and Katyayana’s Varttikas. Kalidasa was a famous poet and dramatist, while Banabhatta was a celebrated prose writer and court poet of King Harsha.

25. Arrange the following in correct chronological order 1. Charak Samhit

Arrange the following in correct chronological order

1. Charak Samhita

2. Bharat’s Natyashastra

3. Sangam Literature

4. Ashtadhyayi

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1 - 3 - 4 - 2
2 - 4 - 1 - 3
4 - 3 - 1 - 2
3 - 1 - 2 - 4
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Arranging the texts in chronological order based on approximate standard datings:
4. Ashtadhyayi by Panini: Generally dated to the 4th century BCE.
3. Sangam Literature: Spans roughly from 3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE, with some earlier roots. The core period (Ettuthogai and Pattupattu) is often placed from 1st century BCE to 2nd century CE.
2. Bharat’s Natyashastra: Dates vary, but often placed between 2nd century BCE and 2nd century CE, frequently cited around the 1st century BCE or 1st century CE.
1. Charak Samhita: Classical text on Ayurveda, generally dated to the 1st-2nd century CE.

The most plausible chronological order, starting with the earliest, is Ashtadhyayi, followed by the beginning of Sangam Literature, then Charak Samhita and Natyashastra (which are roughly contemporary or Natyashastra slightly earlier, but often grouped together). Option C places them as 4-3-1-2, which corresponds to Ashtadhyayi -> Sangam -> Charak Samhita -> Natyashastra. While the relative order of Charaka and Natyashastra can be debated, this is the only option that correctly places the earliest text (Ashtadhyayi) first and the ancient literature (Sangam) before the classical texts (Charaka/Natyashastra).

The chronological order of ancient Indian texts is often based on scholarly dating approximations, which can sometimes vary slightly. Ashtadhyayi is one of the earliest known Sanskrit texts. Sangam literature represents an early period of Tamil literature. Charak Samhita and Natyashastra are foundational texts in Ayurveda and performing arts, respectively, belonging to the classical period.
Pinpointing exact dates for these ancient texts can be challenging due to limited historical evidence and ongoing scholarly debate. However, the relative order of Ashtadhyayi preceding Sangam (at least the start of the period), and both preceding Charak Samhita and Natyashastra is widely accepted. The option C sequence (4-3-1-2) fits this general progression, even if the specific placement of 1 before 2 might depend on the specific dating applied.

26. Who among the following is the author of the Hastyayurveda ?

Who among the following is the author of the Hastyayurveda ?

Palakapya
Vagbhata
Sushruta
Charaka
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The correct option is A, Palakapya.
Hastyayurveda is an ancient Sanskrit treatise focusing on the diseases and treatment of elephants. Traditional Indian veterinary literature attributes this work to a sage named Palakapya, who is said to have lived in the Anga kingdom.
The other options are incorrect:
– Vagbhata is known for his works on human medicine, Ashtanga Hridaya and Ashtanga Sangraha.
– Sushruta is famous for the Sushruta Samhita, a foundational text on surgery.
– Charaka is renowned for the Charaka Samhita, a key text on internal medicine (Ayurveda).
These three figures (Charaka, Sushruta, Vagbhata) are considered the “Great Trio” (Vriddha Trayi) of Ayurveda, focusing primarily on human health, whereas Palakapya is associated with veterinary science, specifically elephant medicine.
Veterinary science, particularly the care and treatment of elephants, was important in ancient India due to the elephants’ role in warfare, transport, and forestry. Texts like Hastyayurveda reflect a sophisticated understanding of animal anatomy, physiology, and pathology in that era.

27. The book, Kalila wa Dimna is an Arabic translation of the

The book, Kalila wa Dimna is an Arabic translation of the

Hitopadesha
Panchatantra
Suryasiddhanta
Kathasaritsagar
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The correct answer is B) Panchatantra.
Kalila wa Dimna (also known as Kalīlah wa Dimnah) is an Arabic collection of fables. It is an Arabic translation of the Sanskrit work Panchatantra, done by the Persian scholar Abdullah Ibn al-Muqaffa in the 8th century CE. The book features animal characters who tell stories, often with moral lessons.
The Panchatantra is an ancient Indian collection of interconnected animal fables in Sanskrit verse and prose, arranged within a frame story. It was originally composed sometime between 200 BCE and 300 CE. Ibn al-Muqaffa’s translation was highly influential and served as the basis for many subsequent translations of the Panchatantra into various languages around the world.

28. Which one of the following was composed by Harishena?

Which one of the following was composed by Harishena?

Nashik Inscription of Gautami Balashri
Prayaga Prashasti of Samudragupta
Deopara Prashasti of Vijayasena
Hathigumpha Inscription of Kharavela
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The Prayaga Prashasti of Samudragupta was composed by Harishena.
Harishena was a 4th-century poet and minister in the court of the Gupta emperor Samudragupta. He composed the Prayaga Prashasti, an inscription carved on the Ashoka pillar in Allahabad (Prayagraj). This inscription is a eulogy praising Samudragupta’s military campaigns, conquests, and personal qualities, providing valuable historical information about his reign.
The Nashik Inscription of Gautami Balashri relates to the Satavahana dynasty ruler Gautamiputra Satakarni. The Deopara Prashasti was composed by Umapatidhar in praise of the Sena king Vijayasena. The Hathigumpha Inscription was issued by King Kharavela of Kalinga.

29. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code

Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists :

List-I
(Unit in use in early India)

List-II
(Content)

A. Muhurta 1. Measure of weight
B. Raktika 2. Measure of time
C. Angula 3. Metre of poetry
D. Pada 4. Measure of length

Code :

A B C D
(a) 2 1 4 3
(b) 2 4 1 3
(c) 3 4 1 2
(d) 3 1 4 2
2, 1, 4, 3
2, 4, 1, 3
3, 4, 1, 2
3, 1, 4, 2
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The correct matching is A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3.
– **Muhurta:** Muhurta is an ancient Indian unit of time. In traditional Hindu timekeeping, a day (including day and night) is divided into 30 muhurtas, each lasting approximately 48 minutes. This matches with List-II Content 2 (Measure of time).
– **Raktika:** Raktika (often known as Ratti) is a traditional Indian unit of mass or weight, historically based on the seed of the Abrus precatorius plant. It was widely used for weighing precious materials like gold and silver and in coinage. This matches with List-II Content 1 (Measure of weight).
– **Angula:** Angula is an ancient Indian unit of length, roughly equivalent to the width of a finger. Different texts and regions had slightly varying definitions, but it fundamentally represented a measure of length. This matches with List-II Content 4 (Measure of length).
– **Pada:** In the context of ancient Indian literature and grammar, Pada primarily refers to a ‘foot’ or a quarter-verse in poetry. It is a unit used in the structure and metre of poetic compositions. This matches with List-II Content 3 (Metre of poetry).
These units were part of various systems of weights, measures, and timekeeping prevalent in ancient and medieval India. They appear in texts like the Arthashastra, Puranas, and astronomical treatises, reflecting the scientific and administrative practices of the time.

30. Who among the following was the author of the famous Sanskrit work

Who among the following was the author of the famous Sanskrit work ‘Mrichchhakatika’?

Kalidasa
Bhasa
Valmiki
Shudraka
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‘Mrichchhakatika’ (The Little Clay Cart) is one of the most famous and celebrated plays of ancient Indian literature. It is a Prakrit/Sanskrit drama attributed to Shudraka. The play is a ten-act *Prakarana* (a type of drama) focusing on the love story between a Brahmin merchant named Charudatta and a courtesan named Vasantasena, intertwined with political intrigue.
‘Mrichchhakatika’, the famous Sanskrit play, was authored by Shudraka.
Unlike many other surviving Sanskrit dramas which are often mythological or epic in theme, ‘Mrichchhakatika’ stands out for its portrayal of everyday life, diverse characters (including courtesans, thieves, and gamblers), and social commentary. Kalidasa is famous for plays like ‘Abhijnanashakuntalam’, Bhasa for plays like ‘Swapnavasavadattam’, and Valmiki is the author of the epic ‘Ramayana’.
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