Question

In the novel 'Kadambari', whose chief minister is 'Shuknasa'?

• A. Shudraka
• B. Jayapida
• C. Tarapida
• D. Jabali

Hint:

Remember the 'Pairs' in Kadambari: King Tarapida + Minister Shuknasa (Elders) and Prince Chandrapiḍa + Vaishampayana (Youth). This clarifies the ministerial hierarchy immediately.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question focuses on the administrative and character hierarchy in Banabhatta's prose masterpiece 'Kadambari'. In the idealized world of Sanskrit 'Katha', a king's greatness is often measured by the wisdom of his ministers. Shuknasa represents the archetype of the 'Mahamantri' (Great Minister) or 'Amatya', who serves as a father figure, political advisor, and moral guardian to the royal family. Identifying the relationship between a king and his minister is a standard requirement for understanding Sanskrit prose narratives.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
In the story of Kadambari, Shuknasa is the venerable and wise chief minister of King Tarapida, who rules the kingdom of Avanti from his capital city, Ujjayini. Tarapida is portrayed as a magnificent and just sovereign, but his reign was initially marked by the sorrow of childlessness. Shuknasa was not just a minister but a close friend to the king, sharing both his administrative burdens and his personal grief.

The role of Shuknasa is most famously established in the sub-section of the novel known as the 'Shuknasopadesha' (The Advice of Shuknasa). When Tarapida's son, the young Prince Chandrapiḍa, completes his education and returns home, the king decides to appoint him as the 'Yuvaraja' (Crown Prince). Before the coronation, Tarapida sends the prince to Shuknasa to receive political and moral instruction.

In this celebrated section, Shuknasa delivers a long, sophisticated, and linguistically rich discourse on the nature of kingship. He warns Chandrapiḍa about the intoxicating nature of youth, the fickle behavior of Goddess Lakshmi (Wealth), and the arrogance that often accompanies absolute power. This speech is a highlight of Sanskrit literature, showcasing Banabhatta's ability to weave profound philosophy into prose. Shuknasa's son, Vaishampayana, is the lifelong companion and 'best friend' of Chandrapiḍa, mirroring the relationship between their fathers, Tarapida and Shuknasa.

Analysis of other options:
1. Shudraka: He is the king described at the start of the novel who hears the story from the parrot. He is actually a reincarnation of Chandrapiḍa; thus, Shuknasa belongs to his 'previous birth' timeline.
2. Jayapida: This name does not appear as a primary ruling monarch in the main narrative arc of Banabhatta's novel.
3. Jabali: He is the great sage (Maharshi) who lives in a forest hermitage and possesses the yogic power to see past lives. He narrates the events to the other sages but holds no political office.

The bond between Tarapida and Shuknasa represents the 'Dharmic' ideal of governance, where the kshatriya power (the King) is balanced by the brahminic wisdom (the Minister). Their mutual respect and shared legacy are central to the stability of the kingdom described in the first half of the novel.

Step 4: Final Answer:
Shuknasa is the chief minister of King Tarapida in the city of Ujjayini. Thus, Option (C) is the correct answer.