With reference to the history of ancient India, Bhavabhuti, Hastimalla and Kshemeshvara were famous
- (a) Jain monks
- (b) playwrights ✓ UPSC's answer
- (c) temple architects
- (d) philosophers
Why the answer is (b)
• Bhavabhuti (8th c., court of Yashovarman of Kanauj) wrote the Sanskrit plays Malatimadhava, Mahaviracharita and Uttararamacharita.
• Hastimalla (13th c.) was a Jain author of Sanskrit dramas such as Vikrantakaurava and Maithilikalyana; Kshemeshvara (10th c.) wrote Chandakaushika and Naishadhananda.
• All three are thus remembered as playwrights — option (b).
• They were not monks, architects or philosophers by reputation, though Hastimalla belonged to the Jain tradition.
• Hence option (b).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) Jain monks
- They were dramatists; only Hastimalla had Jain affiliation, and not as a monk.
- (c) temple architects
- None of them was a temple architect.
- (d) philosophers
- They are known for plays, not philosophy.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2021, held on 10 October 2021. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.