Question

‘Mrichchhakatika’ was written by
A) Kalhana
B) Vikramaditya
C) Banabhatta
D) Shudraka

Answer 1

Hint: He was an Indian King from the 5th century, and also a known playwright. Two other famous works of his include Vinavasavadatta and Padmaprabhritaka.

Complete answer:
‘Mrichchhakatika’ is a Sanskrit drama play written by King Shudraka, a Kshatriya ruler who lived in the 5th century. The title of the play means ‘The Little Clay Cart’ in English. It is believed to have been derived from an older unfinished work of playwright ‘Bhasa’ called Daridra Charudatta.
Most of the other plays written during that era were derived from epics and mythologies, which were more fantasy or religious. ‘Mrichchhakatika’ on the other hand was derived from the mundane world, with very relatable and realistic characters. Shudraka extended the story of Carudatta (the character from Bhasa’s play) in this play.
The play is about Carudatta, a generous man who has become poor by helping others through charity. He falls in love with a rich courtesan, Vasantasena. There is also a character named Shakara who aggressively pursues Vasantasena. The play is filled with characters like gamblers, thieves, courtesans etc. and has no influence from the royalties. According to the play, it is not the social status of the person that makes them noble, rather it is their virtue and behavior.

Thus, the correct answer is Option (D) Shudraka.

Note:
i) The play was translated by Arthur W. Ryder in 1905 into ‘The Little Clay Cart’ and was enacted in Berkeley in 1907.
ii) Their play has also been translated to numerous Indian languages and performed all over the country in various theatres.
iii) Well known Indian filmmaker Dadasaheb Phalke, adapted the play into a film named ‘Vasantasena’ in 1929.