Which of the following literature was written during the time of the ...
The correct answer is option A) 2 and 3.
During the time of the Mauryan Empire, which existed from 322 BCE to 185 BCE, two significant literary works were written - Arthashastra and Indica.
1. Arthashastra:
Arthashastra is an ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy. It was written by Kautilya, also known as Chanakya or Vishnugupta, who was a scholar and advisor to the Mauryan Emperor Chandragupta Maurya. The Arthashastra covers a wide range of topics related to governance, administration, economics, law, diplomacy, and warfare. It provides detailed instructions on how to establish and manage an efficient and prosperous kingdom. The work is considered one of the oldest and most comprehensive treatises on political science and governance.
2. Indica:
Indica is a historical and ethnographic account of India written by the Greek historian Megasthenes during his stay at the Mauryan court. Megasthenes was appointed as the ambassador of Seleucus I Nicator, the king of the Seleucid Empire, to the court of Chandragupta Maurya. In Indica, he provides valuable insights into the political, social, and cultural aspects of Mauryan India. The work describes the administration, economy, society, religion, and customs of the Mauryan Empire. Although the original text of Indica has been lost, fragments and references to it by later writers have provided a glimpse into the ancient Indian society.
3. Mudrarakshasa:
The Mudrarakshasa is a Sanskrit play written by Vishakhadatta, believed to have been composed in the 9th century CE. It is not directly associated with the Mauryan Empire as it is set during the time of the Nanda dynasty, which preceded the Mauryan Empire. The play depicts the clever political maneuvers and intrigues that took place during that period.
To summarize, the literature written during the time of the Mauryan Empire includes Arthashastra and Indica. These works provide valuable insights into the political, economic, and social aspects of ancient India under the Mauryan rule.
Which of the following literature was written during the time of the ...
- Mudrarakshasa written by Vishakhadatta, is a Sanskrit drama. Although written during the Gupta period, it reports how Chandragupta with the assistance of Kautilya overthrew the Nandas.
- Arthsashtra was written in Sanskrit by Kautilya, a contemporary of Chandragupta Maurya.
- Megasthenes was the Greek ambassador in the court of Chandragupta Maurya. His book Indica has remained only in fragments. His account gives information about the Mauryan administration, particularly the administration of the capital city of Pataliputra and the military organisation.
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