Question

Which of the following statements best reflects the legacy and continuity of Sanskrit drama?

• A. Sanskrit drama ceased to evolve after the classical period and is now studied only in historical context.
• B. Only ancient playwrights like Kalidasa and Bhasa are recognized; no modern contributions exist.
• C. Sanskrit drama continues to thrive, with both classical and contemporary playwrights contributing to the tradition.
• D. Modern Sanskrit playwrights primarily adapt Western stories into Sanskrit verse.

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Sanskrit drama continues to thrive, with both classical and contemporary playwrights contributing to the tradition.

Sanskrit drama is characterized by the works of dramatists like Sudraka, Bhasa, Bhavbhuti, Harsha, and Kalidasa, among others. These plays have endured for thousands of years due to the playwrights' exceptional skill in portraying characters, settings, and plots in their unique styles. Many of the renowned Sanskrit playwrights thrived with royal patronage or were part of royal courts and households. In more recent times, Sanskrit playwrights such as Manmohan Acharya (author of Arjuna Pratijnaa, Shrita-kamalam, Pada-pallavam, Divya-Jayadevam, Pingalaa, Mrtyuh, Sthitaprajnah, Tantra-mahasaktih, Purva-sakuntalam, Uttara sakuntalam, and Raavanah), Vidyadhar Shastri (known for Purnanandam, Kalidainyam, and Durbala Balam), and Prafulla Kumar Mishra (famous for Chitrangada and Karuna) stand as living proof of the continued vitality of this genre.