Question Q.13GS1GS1

Sanskrit literature in general and particularly in the Gupta age set a high watermark for the literary history of ancient India. Discuss.

Introduction

Sanskrit literature which started developing in ~ 2nd AD had a profound impact on Indian literature.

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Main Body

Sanskrit in Gupta Age: (1) Kalidasa's plays like Shakuntala depicting Mahabharata story; (2) Lyrics like Ritusamhara, Meghaduta; (3) Visakhadutta's epics like Devichandaka, Gupta (Rise of Chandragupta II) & Mudrarakshas; (4) Vishnusha's Panchtantra stories read even today; (5) Scientific literature: Aryabhatta's Aryabhatta, Varhamihira's Brihatsamahita (Architecture, math, etc.). Others Sanskrit Literature: (1) Play Scriptsakshika gave India 1st play in Sanskrit (by Asvagosha); (2) Mricchakatika gave the first antagonist in play; (3) Harsha's literature: His inscriptions (Banabhata), Plays (Ratnavali, etc.) led to development of Sanskrit language.

5Scientific literature: Aryabhatta's Aryabhatta, Varhamihira's Brihatsamahita (Architecture, math, etc.). Others Sanskrit Literature: (1) Play Scriptsakshika gave India 1st play in Sanskrit (by Asvagosha); (2) Mricchakatika gave the first antagonist in play; (3) Harsha's literature: His inscriptions (Banabhata), Plays (Ratnavali, etc.) led to development of Sanskrit language.

1Sanskrit flourished across kingdoms over the years - preserved knowledge over generations; (2) Formed base for other literature. Eg: English words like 'Mother' taken from 'Matra', 'Trigonometry', etc.; (3) Led to development of religious texts, stories, etc.

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Conclusion

Hence, Sanskrit formed the base of Indian literature. It has rightly been awarded with Classical Language Status by GoI.

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Comprehensive coverage of major Gupta age literary figures
Includes both dramatists and scientific literature
Mentions specific works and their contributions
References modern recognition (Classical Language Status)

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Topper

Aniket Danjanshwoor Hinde

AIR 812023

Subject & Paper

GS1GS1

Topic

Indian Culture

Literature

Sanskrit literature in Gupta age

Writing Stats

203

Total words

Paragraphs