'Abhijnanasakuntalam', considered the best work of the 5th-century poet Kalidasa, is a:
Correct Answer: Sanskrit play
Subject: history
- Philosophical treatise
- Sanskrit play
- Epic poem
- Grammar book
Explanation: • Abhijnanasakuntalam — 7-act Sanskrit play by Kalidasa — story of King Dushyanta and Shakuntala (from Mahabharata)
• Kalidasa flourished during Gupta period — called 'Kavikulaguru' (Preceptor of Poets)
• German poet Goethe was greatly impressed when it was first translated to European languages
• Other Kalidasa works: Meghaduta, Raghuvamsha, Kumarasambhava (poems); Malavikagnimitra, Vikramorvasiya (plays)
• Exam tip: Kalidasa → Chandragupta II's court; Banabhatta → Harsha's court