[Solved] Ancient Literary Works & Authors | UPSC Prelims 2023

With reference to ancient Indian History, consider the following pairs: Literary work Author
1. Devichandraguptam - Bilhana
2. Hammira-Mahakavya - Nayachandra Suri
3. Milinda-panha - Nagarjuna
4. Nitivakyamrita - Somadeva Suri How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

[UPSC CSE Pre 2023]

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Correct Option: B

Only two pairs are correctly matched: Hammira-Mahakavya by Nayachandra Suri and Nitivakyamrita by Somadeva Suri. Devichandraguptam was authored by Vishakhadatta, and Milinda-panha features Nagasena.

A. Only one

B. Only two

C. Only three

D. All four

Analysis & Evidence

Concept

Ancient Indian literature encompasses a wide range of texts including political treatises, philosophical dialogues, and historical mahakavyas. Identifying correct authorship is crucial for understanding the chronological and cultural landscape of the time.

Authentic Source Evidence

Standard historical records identify Vishakhadatta as the author of Devichandraguptam, while the Milinda-panha is a dialogue between King Menander and the monk Nagasena (not Nagarjuna).

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Pair 1 is incorrect; Devichandraguptam was written by Vishakhadatta. Bilhana is famous for Vikramankadevacharita.

Logic 2: Pair 2 is correct; Hammira-Mahakavya is an epic poem by Nayachandra Suri about the Chahamana king Hammira.

Logic 3: Pair 3 is incorrect; Milinda-panha records the conversation between Indo-Greek King Milinda and Buddhist sage Nagasena.

Logic 4: Pair 4 is correct; Nitivakyamrita is a famous work on statecraft written by the Jain scholar Somadeva Suri.

Historical Logic Quest

"What is the significance of 'Nitivakyamrita' in the context of Indian political thought?"

It serves as a Jain treatise on statecraft, similar to the Arthashastra, emphasizing the ethical and moral duties of a king.

The Topper's Edge

"UPSC frequently tests pairs where famous authors are swapped with contemporary or thematic counterparts, such as Nagasena vs. Nagarjuna."

Analysing the UPSC previous year question paper is non-negotiable for serious aspirants. Thoroughly solving and analyzing these questions helps you decode the examiner's mindset, identify recurring historical themes, and build the analytical intuition needed to clear the exam. Practise UPSC PYQ here with interactive question sets to learn and sharpen your edge!

With reference to ancient Indian History, consider the following pairs: Literary work Author1. Devichandraguptam - Bilhana2. Hammira-Mahakavya - Nayachandra Suri3. Milinda-panha - Nagarjuna4. Nitivakyamrita - Somadeva Suri How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?