With reference to ancient Indian History, consider the following pairs: Literary work Author 1. Devichandragupta Bilhana 2. Hammira-Mahakavya Nayachandra Suri 3. Milinda-panha Nagarjuna 4. Nitivakyamrita Somadeva Suri How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

Q 3 / 18

UPSC CSE Prelims 2023

With reference to ancient Indian History, consider the following pairs:

Literary work	Author
1. Devichandragupta	Bilhana
2. Hammira-Mahakavya	Nayachandra Suri
3. Milinda-panha	Nagarjuna
4. Nitivakyamrita	Somadeva Suri

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

EXPLANATION

Correct Option

Pair 2: Hammira-Mahakavya was authored by Nayachandra Suri. This historical poem details the life and resistance of Hammiradeva, the last Chauhan ruler of Ranthambore, against Alauddin Khilji.

Pair 4: Nitivakyamrita was written by Somadeva Suri. It is a Jain treatise focusing on polity, ethics, and governance, composed during the medieval period.

Incorrect Options

Pair 1: Devichandragupta was authored by Vishakhadatta, not Bilhana. This is a historical drama concerning King Chandragupta II. Bilhana is known for Vikramankadeva Charita.

Pair 3: Milinda-panha is a dialogue between the Indo-Greek King Menander I (Milinda) and the Buddhist monk Nagasena. It was not authored by Nagarjuna. Nagarjuna was a significant Mahayana Buddhist philosopher, known for works like Madhyamaka Karika.

SOURCEIndian Art and Culture by Nitin Singhania, Chapter 16: Indian Literature