UPSC Prelims 2020 · Question 16 of 100
UPSC Prelims 2020 question on Panini Amarasimha Kalidasa Patrons
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2020
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectAncient History
- TopicGupta Period
- DifficultyMedium
- TypeStatement
With reference to the scholars/litterateurs of ancient India, consider the following statements:
1. Panini is associated with Pushyamitra Shunga.
2. Amarasimha is associated with Harshavardhana.
3. Kalidasa is associated with Chandra Gupta-II.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Answer: C. 3 only
Verdict
Correct statement: 3 only → Option (c).
Statement by statement
Statement 1 – INCORRECT: Panini (4th century BCE or '6th to 5th century BCE') was an ancient Sanskrit grammarian. He is said to have been born in Shalatula of ancient Gandhara. He is NOT associated with Pushyamitra Shunga. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
Statement 2 – INCORRECT: Amarasimha is NOT associated with Harshavardhana. Amarasimha was a Sanskrit scholar and poet considered to be a member of the Navaratna (nine gems) of Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya)'s court, not Harshavardhana's. Hence statement 2 is not correct.
Statement 3 – CORRECT: Kalidasa is associated with Chandra Gupta-II (Vikramaditya). The great Sanskrit poet and playwright Kalidasa was present in his court. His work Abhijnashakuntalam was written during this period.