Question

Where did the poet-king Sudraka reportedly live during the 2nd century CE?

• A. Pataliputra
• B. Ujjain
• C. Mathura
• D. Kanchipuram

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Ujjain

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.