UPSC CSE Prelims 2003
Mrichchhakatika, a Sanskrit play attributed to Shudraka, literally meaning 'The Little Clay Cart', narrates the love story between Charudatta, a virtuous but impoverished Brahmin merchant, and Vasantasena, a wealthy and accomplished courtesan. The play offers a realistic portrayal of urban life, social structures, legal system, and moral dilemmas in ancient India, blending romance with social commentary.
Option B: This option refers to the historical achievements of Chandragupta II, who defeated the Shaka Kshatrapas of western India, a significant event in the Gupta Empire's history. Mrichchhakatika is a fictional play and does not document this specific historical victory.
Option C: This describes the military conquests and imperial expansion of Samudragupta, often referred to as the 'Napoleon of India', whose exploits are primarily detailed in the Allahabad Pillar Inscription. This is a historical account, distinct from the themes of Mrichchhakatika.
Option D: While ancient Indian literature includes various love stories involving kings and princesses, this specific theme is not the subject of Shudraka's Mrichchhakatika. The play distinctly focuses on the relationship between a merchant and a courtesan, not a royal romance with a princess from Kamarupa.