Question

Identify the famous 'Champukavyasya' (Champu poetry) composers from the following list:
A. Kalidasah
B. Trivikramabhattah
C. Somadevah
D. Bhojadevah
E. Ashvaghoshah
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

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

Hint:

To remember Champu poets, use the mnemonic "Tri-So-Bho".
Trivikrama = Nala-champu.
Somadeva = Yashastilaka-champu.
Bhoja = Ramayana-champu.
These three are the "foundational trio" of the Champu genre in nearly all Sahitya exams.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In the classification of Sanskrit literature, 'Champukavya' refers to a unique genre that blends both prose (Gadya) and poetry (Padya). The technical definition provided by rhetoricians like Vishvanatha is "Gadyapadyamayam kavyam champurityabhidhiyate." This hybrid form allows the poet to utilize the descriptive freedom of prose alongside the aesthetic and rhythmic intensity of metrical verse. The genre gained significant popularity from the 10th century onwards.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
The composers listed in the options represent different eras of Sanskrit literature. To identify the Champu writers, we must look at their specific masterpieces.

1. B. Trivikramabhatta: He is historically recognized as the first major exponent of the Champu genre. His work, the 'Nalachampu' (also known as Damayanti-katha), written in the 10th century, is the earliest surviving significant example of this form. He also authored the 'Madalasachampu'. His style is characterized by the use of complex 'Shlesha' (puns) and long compounds, mirroring the prose style of Banabhatta.

2. C. Somadeva (Somadevasuri): He was a prominent Digambara Jain scholar and poet of the 10th century. He authored the 'Yashastilaka-champu', which is a massive work combining religious teachings with an intricate narrative. It is considered one of the pillars of the Champu tradition for its philosophical depth and linguistic mastery.

3. D. Bhojadeva (King Bhoja of Dhara): The polymath king of the 11th century was a great patron and practitioner of arts. He is credited with the 'Ramayana-champu', which retells the story of the Ramayana in a beautiful mix of prose and poetry. Although he completed only up to the Kishkindha Kanda (later completed by Lakshmana Bhatta), his work remains one of the most widely read and recited Champus in the traditional education system.

4. Exclusions: Kalidasa (A) is the master of Mahakavyas (epics like Raghuvamsha) and Natakas (dramas like Shakuntala), but he did not write in the Champu style. Ashvaghosha (E) is an early Buddhist poet known for Mahakavyas like 'Buddhacharita' and 'Saundarananda', belonging to a period much before the Champu genre matured.

Therefore, the group containing Trivikrama, Somadeva, and Bhoja represents the authentic line of Champu composers.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The correct combination is B, C, and D. Thus, Option (B) is the correct choice.