Question

Arrange the following 'Rupakas' (Dramatic forms) in the standard order of the 'Dasharupaka' (starting after Nataka, Prakarana, Bhana, Prahasana):
A. Samavakara
B. Vyayoga
C. Vithi
D. Ihamriga
E. Dima
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A, B, C, D, E
• B. E, B, A, C, D
• C. B, A, E, C, D
• D. E, A, B, D, C

Hint:

Memorize the verse for the 10 Rupakas:
"Nāṭakam saprakaraṇaṃ bhāṇaḥ prahasanaṃ dimaḥ |
vyāyoga-samavakārau vīthyaṅke-hāmṛgā iti ||"
This verse gives you the exact order every time!

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
As established in the text 'Dasharupaka' (Ten Forms of Drama) by Dhananjaya, there is a traditional list of the ten types of major plays. While Nataka and Prakarana are the most important, the remaining eight follow a specific order in the authoritative definitions. This order is based on the complexity and the number of acts in the play.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
The full list of Ten Rupakas is:
1. Nataka
2. Prakarana
3. Bhana
4. Prahasana

Continuing the list from the fifth position (as required by the question):
5. E. Dima: A 4-act play involving gods/demons and 16 heroes.
6. B. Vyayoga: A 1-act play involving a military theme and a well-known hero.
7. A. Samavakara: A 3-act play involving gods and multiple plots.
8. C. Vithi: A 1-act play consisting of witty dialogues.
9. Anka (Utsrishtikanka) (Not in list)
10. D. Ihamriga: A 4-act play involving the pursuit of a divine lady.

Looking at the options provided, the sequence that follows this standard enumeration is E (Dima), B (Vyayoga), A (Samavakara), C (Vithi), and D (Ihamriga). Although different traditions might slightly vary the end, this is the most common sequence found in NTA Sahitya papers following the Dasharupaka text.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The correct order is E, B, A, C, D. Hence, Option (B) is the correct choice.