Question Q.13Discuss in 250 wordsGS1GS1

Sanskrit literature in general and particularly in the Gupta age set a high watermark for the literary history of ancient India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

Introduction

Sanskrit literature dates back to the history of Rigveda. i.e the vedic era (1500-1000 BC).

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Main Body

Sanskrit literature includes both Classic and Vedic works. Classics include Mahabharata, Purana, Ramayana (some great works), while Vedics include Vedas, Brahmana, Upanishad and Aarmaks which were written in Sanskrit. Many Dynasty also patronised it.

Sanskrit literature in Gupta period:

1Gupta period characterised by Brahmanism and Bhagwatism this making Sanskrit its main language

2Prasheshti of Samudraygupta written by Harisena in Sanskrit is evident from Allahabad inscription

3Nine jewels were in Gupta court - were great in Sanskrit literature [eg: Kalidasy's great work like: Abhigan, Ritu Samhara, Kumarasambhava, meghadoot

4Scientific works were also there in Sanskrit [eg: Varahmmihir's Brihadsamhit and Panchysiddhantika written on Astronomical knowledge

5Sanskrit grammar by Amamsingh ie Amarkosh.

6Gupta also associated with establishment of Nalanda university to there too many Sanskrit works were done.

7Other works like philosophy (Samkhya) and stories like Mriduh kaatika by Shudrake were written in that period only.

8Apart from Sanskrit literature other things like numismaphy also showed Sanskrit inscriptions.

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Conclusion

Due to such grand contribution in A4 Gupta period (300-550 AD) is said to be the 'golden period' of A4.

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Diagram

Sanskrit literature tree diagram showing division into Classic (Mahabharata, Purana, Ramayana) and Vedic (Vedas, Brahmana, Upanishad, Aarmaks) branches

Chronological approach from Vedic era
Categorizes works into Classic and Vedic
Mentions dynastic patronage

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Page 31

Topper

Anjali Thankur

AIR 432023

Subject & Paper

GS1GS1

Topic

Salient aspects of Literature from ancient to modern times

Sanskrit literature

Gupta age literature

Writing Stats

198

Total words

Paragraphs

descriptive

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