Question

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): In the 'Meghaduta', the Mandakranta meter is exclusively used.
Reason (R): In the 'Meghaduta', a detailed description of nature (Prakriti-varnanam) is found.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
• B. Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A)
• C. (A) is correct but (R) is not correct
• D. (A) is not correct but (R) is correct

Hint:

Remember: Theme (Separation) $\rightarrow$ Meter (Mandakranta). Description of nature is a characteristic of all Mahakavyas/Khandakavyas, not a specific reason for a particular meter.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Assertion (A) refers to the prosodic structure of Kalidasa's 'Meghaduta'.
Reason (R) refers to the thematic content of the poem.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Statement (A) is factually true.
'Meghaduta' is a 'Sandesha Kavya' composed entirely in the 'Mandakranta' meter (17 syllables).
Kalidasa chose this meter because its slow, rhythmic, and dragging pace is considered highly suitable for expressing the grief of separation (Vipralambha Shringara).
The verse "Mandakranta-viraha-shayane" reflects this suitability.

Statement (R) is also factually true.
'Meghaduta' contains some of the most exquisite descriptions of nature in world literature.
As the cloud travels from Ramagiri to Alaka, it passes over mountains like Amrakuta, rivers like Narmada and Vetravati, and various forests and cities.
Kalidasa breathes life into nature, treating the cloud as a conscious messenger.

However, (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
The reason why Kalidasa used the Mandakranta meter is not because there is nature description in the poem.
Many other poems have nature descriptions but use different meters (like Vasantatilaka or Shardulavikridita).
The actual reason for the choice of Mandakranta is the emotional theme of 'Viraha' (separation), as the meter's slow movement matches the heavy heart of the Yaksha.
Therefore, while both statements are correct, they do not share a causal link.

Step 4: Final Answer:
Both statements are correct, but (R) does not explain (A). Thus, Option (B) is correct.