Question

Which of the following statements about Bhavabhuti and his works is correct?

• A. Bhavabhuti always included a vidusaka (comic jester) to lighten the tone of his plays.
• B. Malatimadhava is a Nataka play based on Rama's childhood.
• C. Bhavabhuti served as court poet to King Harsha in the 7th century CE.
• D. Bhavabhuti’s plays often reflect a serious tone, and he notably excluded comic elements like the vidusaka.

Answer 1

Answer:

D. Bhavabhuti’s plays often reflect a serious tone, and he notably excluded comic elements like the vidusaka.

Bhavabhuti, a prominent dramatist from the later period of Sanskrit drama, served as the court poet of King Yashovarman of Kannauj in 8th century CE. Like many of his contemporaries, he wrote plays inspired by the Ramayana, including Mahaviracharita (Exploits of a Great Hero), which portrays the early life of Rama, and Uttaramcharita (The Latter History of Rama), which focuses on the final years of Rama’s life as detailed in the Uttara Kanda of the Ramayana. Both plays are composed of seven acts in the Nataka style. His third work, Malatimadhava (Malati and Madhava), is a Prakarana play centered on the love story between Malati, the daughter of a minister, and Madhavya, her beloved. The play incorporates supernatural elements, blending romance and horror in a unique and skillful way. Bhavabhuti is also known for completely omitting the character of the vidusaka (the comic jester) from his plays, thereby removing the comedic element. Critics interpret this absence as a reflection of his temperament, suggesting that he was not inclined to portray humor effectively.