Question

Who is the author of the work 'Shivarajavijaya'?

• A. Dandin
• B. Banabhatta
• C. Ambikadatta Vyasa
• D. Subandhu

Hint:

To remember this author, associate the title 'Shivarajavijaya' with the 19th-century revival of Sanskrit. Ambikadatta Vyasa is the most important 'modern' prose writer in standard competitive exams.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
'Shivarajavijaya' is a significant landmark in Sanskrit literature, as it is considered the first 'modern' Sanskrit novel written in the style of classical prose. Unlike the ancient prose works of the 6th and 7th centuries, this work was written in the late 19th century. It combines the rigorous linguistic structure of classical Sanskrit with a historical narrative from the medieval period, specifically focusing on the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
The author of 'Shivarajavijaya' is Pandit Ambikadatta Vyasa (1858–1900). He was a brilliant polymath and a scholar of the highest order, known by titles like 'Ghatika-shataka' (one who can compose 100 verses in 24 minutes) and 'Adhunika-Bana' (the Modern Bana).

Published posthumously in 1901, 'Shivarajavijaya' (The Victory of King Shivaji) is a historical novel ('Akhyayika') that chronicles the heroic struggles of the Maratha king Shivaji against the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and the Adil Shahi commander Afzal Khan. Ambikadatta Vyasa was deeply influenced by the 'Bana-shaili' (the prose style of Banabhatta), which involves long compounds ('Samasa'), intricate descriptions of nature, and the use of 'Shlesha' (puns). However, he successfully adapted this ancient, ornate style to tell a fast-paced, nationalistic story that resonated with the Indian independence movement of his time.

Structure of the work:
- It is divided into 3 Viramas (major parts).
- Each Virama contains 4 Nishvasas (chapters), making a total of 12 chapters.
- It begins with a magnificent description of the sunrise, mirroring the auspicious start of a new era under Shivaji.

Analyzing incorrect options:
1. Dandin: A 7th-century prose writer famous for 'Dashakumaracharita' (The Tales of the Ten Princes).
2. Banabhatta: The author of 'Kadambari' and 'Harshacharita'. Though Ambikadatta Vyasa imitated his style, Bana lived over a thousand years before Shivaji.
3. Subandhu: The author of 'Vasavadatta', known for his extremely difficult prose where every syllable often contains a pun.

'Shivarajavijaya' is studied extensively in modern Sanskrit curricula because it demonstrates that the Sanskrit language is capable of handling modern novelistic structures and historical themes without losing its traditional aesthetic 'Rasa'.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The author of Shivarajavijaya is Ambikadatta Vyasa. Thus, Option (C) is the correct answer.