Question

What distinguishes Sudraka’s Mrichchhakatika from many classical Sanskrit dramas?

• A. It focuses solely on royal characters and divine interventions.
• B. It is a religious text with no dramatic structure.
• C. It offers a realistic depiction of urban life and complex social structures.
• D. It was originally written in Pali and later translated into Sanskrit.

Answer 1

Answer:

C. It offers a realistic depiction of urban life and complex social structures.

Sudraka, meaning "the little servant," was a poet-king who lived in Ujjain during the 2nd century CE. He is best known for his Prakarana play Mrichchhakatika (The Little Clay Cart), which is an expanded version of Bhasa’s unfinished play Charudattam (Charudatta). This ten-act play tells the love story of Charudatta, a Brahmin merchant, and Vasantasenâ, a courtesan, whose relationship is obstructed by a jealous suitor. It provides a vivid and realistic portrayal of urban society and the intricate social structure of the time. Sudraka’s other works include Vinavasavadatta, a Bhana (a short one-act monologue), and Padmaprabhritaka.