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

• Jain monks
• Playwrights
• Temple architects
• Philosophers

Answer: (b) Playwrights

Notes:

• Bhavabhuti, Hastimalla, and Kshemeshvara were renowned Sanskrit scholars, poets, and playwrights of ancient India, known for their literary contributions.
• Bhavabhuti:
  • He was a celebrated playwright and poet who lived during the 8th century CE.
  • Bhavabhuti is credited with writing three major Sanskrit plays:
    • Malatimadhava (a romantic drama)
    • Mahaviracharita (a play on the early life of Lord Rama)
    • Uttararamacharita (depicting the later life of Rama, including his separation from Sita)
  • Bhavabhuti is often considered to rival Kalidasa in literary excellence.
• Hastimalla:
  • He was a lesser-known poet and dramatist, active in the later medieval period, particularly in the Deccan region.
  • Hastimalla was a Jain poet in the court of the Solanki rulers.
  • His works and influence are mentioned in the context of court poetry and regional literature.
• Kshemeshvara:
  • Kshemeshwara was the court poet of Mahipala of Kannauj.
  • Kshemeshvara was an author and poet known for writing the Narmamala, a work in classical Sanskrit literature.