UPSC Prelims 2021 GS Paper I · Q41 of 98 History hard

With reference to the history of ancient India, Bhavabhuti, Hastimalla and Kshemeshvara were famous

  1. (a) Jain monks
  2. (b) playwrights ✓ UPSC's answer
  3. (c) temple architects
  4. (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.

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