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Which two of the following plays did Kalidasa write before writing Abhigyanashakuntalam ? 1. Vikramorvashiyam 2. Malavikagnimitram 3. Swapnavasavadattam. 4. Kadambari Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation
Kalidasa is credited with three major plays: Malavikagnimitram, Vikramorvashiyam, and Abhigyanashakuntalam [c1][t1]. Scholars generally agree on a chronological progression in his dramatic artistry. Malavikagnimitram, a courtly comedy involving King Agnimitra, is considered his first play [t9]. Vikramorvashiyam, based on the legend of Pururavas and Urvashi, is regarded as his second work [t2][t6]. Abhigyanashakuntalam is universally recognized as his masterpiece and final dramatic work, representing the pinnacle of his skill [t5]. Regarding the other options, Swapnavasavadattam is a famous play authored by Bhasa, not Kalidasa [t2][t3]. Kadambari is a celebrated Sanskrit novel written by Banabhatta during the 7th century CE. Therefore, only Vikramorvashiyam and Malavikagnimitram were written by Kalidasa prior to Abhigyanashakuntalam.
Sources
- [1] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 7: The Guptas > Secular Literature > p. 99