🏛️ History & Art-CultureUPSC 2003Architecture in India

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 affairs between a Gupta king and a princess of Kamarupa Art and Culture 147
✓ Correct answer: a) the love affair of a rich merchant with the daughter of a courtesan
ExplanationMrichchhakatika (The Little Clay Cart), authored by Shudraka, is a classic Sanskrit drama.It narrates the love story between Charudatta, a virtuous but impoverished Brahmin merchant, and Vasantasena, a wealthy courtesan.This work, set against the backdrop of urban life in ancient India, explores themes of love, morality, social hierarchy, and political intrigue.Unlike epics or courtly literature, Mrichchhakatika focuses on the lives of ordinary people, providing valuable insights into the socio- economic conditions of the time.Other Sanskrit plays ascribed to Shudraka are Vinavasavadatta, Bhana (short one-act monologue) and Padmaprabhritaka.53

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