Classical Sanskrit Drama

Description: Classical Sanskrit Drama Quiz
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: indian arts indian theater and drama classical sanskrit drama
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What is the primary language used in Classical Sanskrit Drama?

  1. Sanskrit

  2. Prakrit

  3. Tamil

  4. Hindi


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Classical Sanskrit Drama is primarily performed in Sanskrit, an ancient Indo-Aryan language.

What are the three main types of Classical Sanskrit Drama?

  1. Tragedy, Comedy, and Satire

  2. Epic, Lyric, and Dramatic

  3. Narrative, Descriptive, and Expository

  4. Didactic, Religious, and Historical


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The three main types of Classical Sanskrit Drama are Tragedy (Nataka), Comedy (Prahasana), and Satire (Vyayoga).

Which ancient Indian sage is considered the father of Classical Sanskrit Drama?

  1. Bharata Muni

  2. Kalidasa

  3. Bhavabhuti

  4. Shudraka


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Bharata Muni is traditionally regarded as the father of Classical Sanskrit Drama due to his authorship of the treatise 'Natya Shastra', which codifies the principles of Sanskrit theater.

What is the central theme of Kalidasa's famous play 'Abhijñānaśākuntalam'?

  1. The love story of Shakuntala and King Dushyanta

  2. The rivalry between the Pandavas and Kauravas

  3. The exile of Rama and Sita

  4. The life of the Buddha


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

'Abhijñānaśākuntalam' is a romantic drama that revolves around the love story between Shakuntala, a beautiful maiden, and King Dushyanta.

Which playwright is known for his tragic masterpiece 'Mṛcchakatika'?

  1. Kalidasa

  2. Bhavabhuti

  3. Shudraka

  4. Vishakhadatta


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Shudraka is the author of 'Mṛcchakatika', a tragic play that depicts the life of a courtesan named Vasantasena.

What is the main purpose of the Vidushaka character in Classical Sanskrit Drama?

  1. To provide comic relief

  2. To serve as a confidant to the protagonist

  3. To deliver moral lessons

  4. To act as a messenger


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Vidushaka is a jester or clown-like character who provides comic relief and lighthearted moments in the play.

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic feature of Classical Sanskrit Drama?

  1. Use of elaborate stage sets and props

  2. Emphasis on spectacle and visual effects

  3. Employment of music, dance, and mime

  4. Audience participation


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Audience participation is not a characteristic feature of Classical Sanskrit Drama, which typically employs a proscenium stage and a passive audience.

What is the term for the introductory section of a Classical Sanskrit Drama?

  1. Prologue

  2. Exposition

  3. Inciting Incident

  4. Rising Action


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The introductory section of a Classical Sanskrit Drama is called the 'Prologue' (Prastāvanā), which sets the stage for the play and introduces the main characters.

Which ancient Indian text serves as a comprehensive treatise on the theory and practice of Classical Sanskrit Drama?

  1. Rigveda

  2. Upanishads

  3. Bhagavad Gita

  4. Natya Shastra


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The 'Natya Shastra' is an ancient Indian text that provides detailed insights into the theory and practice of Classical Sanskrit Drama, covering aspects such as dramaturgy, acting, and stagecraft.

What is the term for the concluding section of a Classical Sanskrit Drama?

  1. Epilogue

  2. Dénouement

  3. Catharsis

  4. Resolution


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The concluding section of a Classical Sanskrit Drama is called the 'Epilogue' (Bharata Vākya), which typically offers a moral or philosophical reflection on the play's themes.

Which playwright is known for his historical drama 'Mudrārākṣasa'?

  1. Kalidasa

  2. Bhavabhuti

  3. Shudraka

  4. Vishakhadatta


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Vishakhadatta is the author of 'Mudrārākṣasa', a historical drama that revolves around the political maneuvering and espionage during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya.

What is the term for the main character or protagonist in a Classical Sanskrit Drama?

  1. Nayaka

  2. Nāyikā

  3. Pratinayaka

  4. Vidushaka


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The main character or protagonist in a Classical Sanskrit Drama is referred to as the 'Nayaka'.

Which playwright is known for his romantic drama 'Uttara-Rāmacarita'?

  1. Kalidasa

  2. Bhavabhuti

  3. Shudraka

  4. Vishakhadatta


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Bhavabhuti is the author of 'Uttara-Rāmacarita', a romantic drama that depicts the life of Lord Rama after his return to Ayodhya.

What is the term for the female protagonist or heroine in a Classical Sanskrit Drama?

  1. Nayaka

  2. Nāyikā

  3. Pratinayaka

  4. Vidushaka


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The female protagonist or heroine in a Classical Sanskrit Drama is referred to as the 'Nāyikā'.

Which playwright is known for his satirical play 'Prabodha-Chandrodaya'?

  1. Kalidasa

  2. Bhavabhuti

  3. Shudraka

  4. Krishna Misra


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Krishna Misra is the author of 'Prabodha-Chandrodaya', a satirical play that allegorically depicts the conflict between good and evil.

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