Question

Arrange the following Sanskrit dramatists according to the right chronological order: A. Shudraka B. Bhasa C. Kalidasa D. Bhavabhuti E. Bodhayan Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

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

Hint:

Important Sanskrit dramatists sequence: Bhasa $\rightarrow$ Kalidasa $\rightarrow$ Shudraka $\rightarrow$ Bhavabhuti.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Chronological arrangement of Sanskrit dramatists is based on the historical period in which they lived and composed their literary works. Sanskrit drama evolved gradually from early classical playwrights to later dramatists.

Step 1: Understanding the period of Bhasa. Bhasa is regarded as one of the earliest Sanskrit dramatists. Scholars generally place him before Kalidasa. He is famous for plays such as:
• Swapnavasavadattam
• Urubhanga
• Pratijna Yaugandharayana Thus: \[ B \text{ comes first} \]

Step 2: Understanding the period of Kalidasa. Kalidasa flourished during the Gupta Age, often called the Golden Age of Sanskrit literature. Important works:
• Abhijnana Shakuntalam
• Malavikagnimitram
• Vikramorvashiyam Hence: \[ C \text{ comes after } B \]

Step 3: Understanding the period of Shudraka. Shudraka is famous for: \[ \textit{Mrichchhakatikam} \] He belongs to the classical Sanskrit drama tradition after early dramatists like Bhasa and Kalidasa. Therefore: \[ A \text{ comes after } C \]

Step 4: Understanding the period of Bhavabhuti. Bhavabhuti belonged to the later classical Sanskrit dramatic tradition. Famous works:
• Uttararamacharita
• Malatimadhava Thus: \[ D \text{ comes after } A \]

Step 5: Understanding the position of Bodhayan. Bodhayan belongs to a later scholarly and literary tradition and comes after the earlier classical dramatists. Hence: \[ E \text{ comes last} \]

Step 6: Final chronological arrangement. Thus, the correct sequence becomes: \[ \text{Bhasa} \rightarrow \text{Kalidasa} \rightarrow \text{Shudraka} \rightarrow \text{Bhavabhuti} \rightarrow \text{Bodhayan} \] Hence: \[ \boxed{B, C, A, D, E} \]