Q36 · UPSC Prelims 2020 · Set A · History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern)

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With reference to the scholars/litterateurs of ancient India, consider the following statements:1.Panini is associated with Pushyamitra Shunga.2.Amarasimha is associated with Harshavardhana.3.Kalidasa is associated with Chandra Gupta-II.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A 1 and 2 only
B 2 and 3 only
C 3 only
D 1, 2 and 3

Correct answer: (c) 3 only

Explanation

  1. A

    1 and 2 only

    1 and 2 only. Panini is centuries before Pushyamitra; Amarasimha is Gupta, not Harsha.

  2. B

    2 and 3 only

    2 and 3 only. Amarasimha–Harsha fails.

  3. C

    3 only

    3 only. Kalidasa is placed in Chandragupta II’s court (Vikramaditya). The other two pairings are anachronisms.

  4. D

    1, 2 and 3

    All three. 1 and 2 fail.

Summary. Official key is (c) 3 only. Kalidasa is associated with Chandragupta II. Panini is pre-Mauryan/early classical, not Shunga. Amarasimha belongs to the Gupta nava-ratna tradition, not Harsha’s court.

Same topic · past papers

UPSC has asked this before

These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.

  1. 2021 · Q34 · General Studies · 2 marks

    From the decline of Guptas until the rise of Harshavardhana in the early seventh century, which of the following kingdoms were holding power in Northern India? 1. The Guptas of Magadha

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