Important Biographies Flashcards
Who wrote the biography ‘Harshacharita’?
Banabhatta
‘Harshacharita’ details the early life, conquests, and patronage of Buddhism by Emperor Harsha.
What is ‘Buddhacharita’ about and by who?
Biography of Gautama Buddha; Sanskrit epic; poetic depiction of Buddha’s life and enlightenment
Written by Ashvaghosa.
Who is the author of the biography ‘Prithviraj Raso’?
Chandar Bardai
This biographical poem reflects Rajput valor and traditions.
What does ‘Arthashastra’ focus on?
Statecraft, administration, taxation, military strategy, and espionage
Written by Kautilya (Chanakya) during the Mauryan period.
What is ‘Rajatarangini’ known for?
Historical chronicle of Kashmir; details kingship, administration, and polity in ancient India
Authored by Kalhana.
Who wrote ‘Mudrarakshasa’?
Vishakhadatta
It depicts political intrigue during Chandragupta Maurya’s rise to power.
What is the focus of ‘Nitisara’?
Polity and ethics; emphasizes governance principles
Draws heavily from Arthashastra and was written by Kamandaka.
What is the ‘Mahabharata’ primarily known for?
An epic containing extensive discourse on politics and governance
Particularly in the form of Shanti Parva, written by Ved Vyasa.
Who is the author of ‘Ashtadhyayi’?
Panini
It is a foundational text on Sanskrit grammar.
What does the ‘Mahabhashya’ explain?
Grammar rules with examples; discusses phonetics
Written by Patanjali as a commentary on Panini’s Ashtadhyayi.
What are ‘Pratishakhyas’ related to?
Phonetics and phonology; related to Vedic recitation traditions
Authored by various scholars.
What is the significance of ‘Tolkappiyam’?
Earliest Tamil grammar text; covers phonetics, morphology, and syntax
Written by Tolkappiyar and is part of Sangam literature.
Kalpasutra
Bhadrabahu
Biography of Mahavira; Jain doctrines and rituals included.
