Question

Identify the works of Bhartrihari from the following:
A. Suryashatakam
B. Nitishatakam
C. Shringaráshatakam
D. Vairagyashatakam
E. Daridryashatakam
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

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

Hint:

Remember the "Three Phases of Life" for Bhartrihari:
1. Passion (Shringara)
2. Wisdom (Niti)
3. Peace (Vairagya)
The term "Shataka-traya" always refers specifically to these three.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Bhartrihari is a legendary figure in Sanskrit literature, known as both a philosopher-grammarian (author of Vakyapadiya) and a great lyricist. He is most famous for his 'Shataka-traya' (The Trio of Centuries), a collection of three works, each containing approximately one hundred independent verses (Muktakas). These works explore the three main aspects of human life: social ethics, erotic love, and spiritual renunciation.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
The 'Shataka-traya' consists of the following three works:

1. B. Nitishatakam (A Century on Ethics/Policy): This work provides practical wisdom on human conduct, the importance of education, the behavior of the wicked vs. the virtuous, and the power of destiny. It is a masterpiece of didactic literature.

2. C. Shringaráshatakam (A Century on Love): This work describes the various stages of erotic love, the beauty of women, and the psychological effects of passion. It reflects the worldly phase of Bhartrihari's life.

3. D. Vairagyashatakam (A Century on Renunciation): This work expresses the futility of worldly pleasures, the fleeting nature of time, and the bliss of spiritual detachment and meditation in the Himalayas. It represents the final spiritual phase of his life.

4. Exclusions: Suryashatakam (A) is a devotional work in praise of the Sun God, written by Mayurabhatta (a contemporary of Banabhatta). Daridryashatakam (E) is not a work attributed to the classical Bhartrihari; while the theme of poverty is discussed within Nitishatakam, it does not exist as a separate 'Shataka' in his corpus.

The combination of Niti, Shringara, and Vairagya is universally accepted as the corpus of Bhartrihari's lyric poetry.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The works of Bhartrihari are Nitishatakam, Shringaráshatakam, and Vairagyashatakam. Thus, Option (C) is the correct choice.