Q. With reference to ancient Indian History, consider the following pairs :
Literary work : Author
- Devichandragupta : Bilhana
- Hammira-Mahakauya : Nayachandra Suri
- Milinda-panha : Nagarjuna
- Nitiuakyamrita : Somadeva Suri
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
- Only one
- Only two
- Only three
- All four
Answer: (b) Only two
Notes:
- Devichandragupta was written by Viśākhadatta. Viśākhadatta was a Sanskrit playwright who lived in the 6th century CE. He is best known for his two plays, Mudrārākṣasa and Devichandraguptam.
- Bilhana was a Kashmiri poet who lived in the 12th century CE. He is best known for his two epics, Vikramārkacarita and Chaurangī.
- Hammira-Mahakavya was written by Nayachandra Suri. Nayachandra Suri was a Kashmiri poet who lived in the 12th century CE. He is best known for his epic poem, Hammira-Mahakavya, which tells the story of Hammira, the last Hindu ruler of the kingdom of Anhilwada Patan.
- Milinda-panha was written by Nāgasena. Nāgasena was a Buddhist monk who lived in the 1st century CE. He is best known for his dialogue with the Greek king Menander I, which is recorded in the text Milinda-panha.
- Nagarjuna was a Buddhist philosopher who lived in the 2nd century CE. He is best known for his Madhyamaka school of thought.
- Nitivakyamrita was written by Somadeva Suri. Somadeva Suri was a Kashmiri scholar who lived in the 12th century CE. He is best known for his encyclopedic work, Nitivakyamrita, which is a collection of wise sayings and advice on a variety of topics.