Question

Identify the 'Mahakavyas' (Great Epics) from the following:
A. Raghuvamsham
B. Naishadhiyacharitam
C. Meghadutam
D. Bhaminivilasah
E. Kiratarjuniyam
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

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

Hint:

Learn the names of the "Five Great Epics" by heart:
Kalidasa (2): Raghu, Kumara.
Bharavi (1): Kirata.
Magha (1): Shishupala.
Sriharsha (1): Naishadha.
Any other work, no matter how famous (like Meghaduta), is likely a different genre.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
A 'Mahakavya' is a court epic characterized by a vast number of cantos (Sargas), varied meters, descriptions of royal dynasties, nature, and the pursuit of the four goals of life (Purusharthas). In the tradition of Sanskrit literature, five works are collectively honored as the 'Pancha-Mahakavyas' (The Five Great Epics).

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Let's categorize the works in the list:

1. A. Raghuvamsham: Written by Mahakavi Kalidasa. It has 19 cantos and describes the lineage of King Raghu. It is one of the Five Great Epics.

2. B. Naishadhiyacharitam: Written by Sriharsha. It has 22 cantos and describes the story of Nala and Damayanti. It is one of the Five Great Epics.

3. E. Kiratarjuniyam: Written by Bharavi. It has 18 cantos and describes the battle between Shiva (as a Kirata) and Arjuna. It is also one of the Five Great Epics.

4. C. Meghadutam: Written by Kalidasa. This is a Khandakavya or 'Giti-kavya' (Lyrical poetry/Messenger poem), not a Mahakavya. It is not divided into cantos but into two parts (Purvamegha and Uttaramegha).

5. D. Bhaminivilasah: Written by Jagannatha Panditaraja. This is a collection of lyrical verses (Muktaka-kavya), not a narrative Mahakavya.

The traditional 'Pancha-Mahakavyas' are: Raghuvamsham, Kumarasambhavam, Kiratarjuniyam, Shishupalavadham, and Naishadhiyacharitam.

Step 4: Final Answer:
Raghuvamsha, Naishadhiyacharita, and Kiratarjuniya are Mahakavyas. Hence, Option (C) is the correct choice.