LITERATURE Flashcards
What was the official language of the Gupta Empire?
Sanskrit was the official language of the Gupta Empire.
What script evolved from the Brahmi script during the Gupta period?
The Nagari script evolved from the Brahmi script.
Name the most famous playwright of the Gupta period.
Kalidasa.
Which Sanskrit drama by Kalidasa is considered one of the best 100 literary works in the world?
Abhijnanasakuntalam.
Name two other plays written by Kalidasa.
Malavikagnimitram and Vikramorvashiya.
Name two epics written by Kalidasa.
Raghuvamsa and Kumarasambhava.
What are the two lyrical works of Kalidasa?
Ritusamhara and Meghaduta.
Who wrote the play Mrichchhakatika (The Little Clay Cart)?
Sudraka.
Who wrote Kiratarjuniya, a story of conflict between Arjuna and Shiva?
Bharavi.
What is the significance of Mudrarakshasa by Vishakadatta?
It narrates the ascent of Chandragupta Maurya with the help of Chanakya.
What is the story of Devichandraguptam by Vishakadatta?
It narrates how Chandragupta II dethroned his brother Ramagupta.
What was the first regular Buddhist work on logic?
Vasubandhu’s Buddhist Logic.
Name two prominent Buddhist writers of the Gupta period.
Vasubandhu and Dignaga.
Who wrote the Panchatantra?
Vishnu Sharma.
Who wrote Brahmasphutasiddhanta and Khandakhadyaka?
Brahmagupta.
Who authored Astanga Samgraha, a medical text?
Vagbhata.
What is Hastayurveda by Palakapya about?
It is a veterinary science book.
What is Amarakosha, and who wrote it?
Amarakosha is a Sanskrit thesaurus written by Amarasimha.
What were the major religious texts compiled during the Gupta period?
The Puranas, including Bhagavatha Purana, Vishnu Purana, Vayu Purana, and Matsya Purana.
What major Hindu philosophical text was written in the 4th century AD?
The Bhagavad Gita.
Who was the Chinese traveler that documented the religious and literary aspects of the Gupta Empire?
Fa Hien.
Which Sanskrit grammar book was compiled by Patanjali?
Mahabhashya.
Who wrote Chandravyakaranam, a Sanskrit grammar text?
Chandrogomia.
Which Smriti literature was written during the Gupta period?
Narada Smriti, Vishnu Smriti, Brihaspati Smriti, and Katyayana Smriti.
Who wrote Nitisara, a political treatise similar to Arthashastra?
Kamandaka.
What major Jain text was compiled during the Gupta period?
The Jain canon of Svetambaras.
What is the significance of Sushruta Samhita?
It is a major text on surgery and medicine written by Sushruta.
Who compiled Brihatsamhita, an encyclopedia on astronomy, geography, and natural history?
Varahamihira.
What is the main subject of Brihat Jataka?
Astrology.
Which text by Aryabhatta introduced the concept of zero?
Aryabhatiyam.
Which book by Aryabhatta explained the true cause of solar eclipses?
Surya Siddhanta.
Who were the Navaratnas in the court of Chandragupta II?
Scholars including Kalidasa, Varahamihira, Amarasimha, and others.
Who wrote Panchasiddhantika, a treatise on astronomy?
Varahamihira.
What did Jain scholar Vimala write?
The Jain version of the Ramayana.
What was the contribution of Siddasena Divakara to Jainism?
He laid the foundation of logic among Jain scholars.
What is Prayaga Prashasti?
An inscription engraved on the Ashokan pillar composed by Harisena, detailing Samudragupta’s achievements.
What is the significance of the Gupta period in literature?
It marked the golden age of Sanskrit literature, with significant contributions in drama, poetry, and religious texts.
Which famous Jain council was held during the Gupta era?
The Jain council at Valabhi, where the Jain canon was compiled.
What literary evidence suggests that women’s status declined during the Gupta period?
The Manusmriti suggested early marriage for girls and the practice of Sati gained social acceptance.
Which Chinese traveler’s accounts provide insights into the literary and religious aspects of the Gupta period?
Fa Hien’s accounts describe the rich religious and literary culture of the Gupta Empire.
