Question

Priyadarshika, Ratnavali and Nagananda of Harsha are works on __________.
A.Drama
B.Poetry
C.Deals with administrative circular
D.Deals with religious propaganda

Answer 1

Hint:
Harsha administered a vast empire in Northern India between 606 and 647 A.D. He was a part of the Vardhana regime and the son of Prabhakara Vardhana. He created a massive kingdom that expanded from north & north-western India till the Narmada in the South. His Centre of administration was Kannauj.

Complete answer:
Harsha is considered to be the writer of three Sanskrit works: Ratnavali, Nagananda and Priyadarshika. The early one is a nataka on the other hand, the popular two are natikas.
The Nagananda is a play in five acts that details the self-sacrifice of Jimutavahana, prince of Vidyadharas. In addition to the fundamental theme, there is a fascinating subplot in the play in which the hero's affection for Malayavathi has been portrayed.
The Ratnavali, Harsha's masterwork is a natika in four acts which manages with the tale of the alliance of king Udayana and Ratnavali, daughter of the emperor of Ceylon.
Later dramaturgists such as Dhananjaya etc. consider Ratnavali and Priyadarshika as typical Sanskrit dramas.

The Priyadarshika is also a natika in four acts, having the theme- the union of Udayana and Priyadarshini, daughter of Emperor Dridhavarman. In both these plays, there is not only a resemblance of subject matter and aspect but also a recollection of Kalidasa's Malavikagnimitram. The significant characteristic of the Priyadarshika is the constructive prelude of a drama which is technically called garbhanka, as a critical aspect of the action. Innumerable instances from both the natikas Ratnavali and Priyadarshika have been sufficiently illustrated by later dramaturgists and are prominent amongst teachers and learners of theatre and dramaturgy.

Hence, the correct answer is option (A).

Note:Harshavardhana is considered as one of the greatly distinguished Indian rulers of the 7th century AD. The unity and wealth that existed made his tribunal a centre of cosmopolitanism, persuading philosophers, artists and spiritual visitors from remote and wide. The Chinese traveller Xuanzang visited the tribunal of Harsha. He penned a very favourable summary of him, honouring his justice and benevolence.