63

Question 63

Which one of the following is a work attributed to playwright Bhasa?

AOptions

A
A) Kavyalankara
B
B) Natyashastra
C
C) Madhyama-vyayoga
D
D) Mahabhashya

BSolution

The correct answer is C) Madhyama-vyayoga.

Madhyama-vyayoga is one of the thirteen plays discovered in 1910 by Ganapati Sastri in Kerala, and widely attributed to the ancient Indian playwright Bhasa. It is a short Sanskrit one-act play based on an episode from the Mahabharata, focusing on the character of Bhima.

Let's look at the other options: * Kavyalankara: A work on poetics, attributed to Bhamaha or Dandin (depending on the specific text referred to, as there are multiple Kavyalankara texts). * Natyashastra: A foundational treatise on the performing arts, including theatre, dance, and music, attributed to Bharata Muni. * Mahabhashya: A monumental treatise on Sanskrit grammar and linguistics, attributed to Patanjali.

Therefore, Madhyama-vyayoga is the correct work by Bhasa.
Solution Diagram

CStrategy

For questions on ancient Indian literature, knowing prominent authors and their representative works is crucial. Keep clear distinctions between philosophical, grammatical, and literary texts.

DSyllabus Analysis

Art & Culture: Ancient Indian Literature (Sanskrit Drama). History.

EQuestion Analysis

This is a factual question from Art & Culture, specifically on ancient Indian literature and authors. Knowledge of key Sanskrit playwrights and their works is required. Medium difficulty.