Which one of the following is a work attributed to playwright Bhasa ?
- (a) Kavyalankara
- (b) Natyashastra
- (c) Madhyama-vyayoga ✓ UPSC's answer
- (d) Mahabhashya
Why the answer is (c)
• Bhasa, one of the earliest Sanskrit dramatists (c. 2nd–4th century CE), was rediscovered in 1912 when thirteen 'Trivandrum plays' were found in Kerala.
• Madhyama-vyayoga ('The Middle One') is a one-act play from this group, based on an episode involving Bhima and his son Ghatotkacha — option (c). Other Bhasa plays include Svapnavasavadattam, Urubhanga and Pratijnayaugandharayana.
• Kavyalankara is a work on poetics by Bhamaha; Natyashastra is Bharata's treatise on dramaturgy; Mahabhashya is Patanjali's commentary on Panini's grammar.
• Kalidasa praised Bhasa in the prologue of his Malavikagnimitram.
• Hence option (c).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) Kavyalankara
- Kavyalankara is by Bhamaha, a treatise on poetics.
- (b) Natyashastra
- Natyashastra is by Bharata Muni.
- (d) Mahabhashya
- Mahabhashya is Patanjali's grammatical commentary.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2024, held on 16 June 2024. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.