The Ramacharita, an example of dvyasrya-kavya, telling two stories simultaneously, was written by
- A.Subandhu
- B.Bhatti
- C.Sandhyakara
- D.Kamban
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is C, Sandhyakara. Sandhyakara Nandi wrote the Sanskrit poem Ramacharita in Bengal in the 12th century, under the Pala kings.
Every verse of the Ramacharita can be read in two ways: one meaning tells the story of Rama of the Ramayana, and the other tells the story of the Pala king Ramapala, who won back Varendri (north Bengal) from the Kaivarta rebels led by Bhima. Because it carries two stories at once, it is called a dvyasraya or double-meaning kavya. It is also an important historical source for the Pala period and the Kaivarta revolt.
A is wrong because Subandhu wrote the Sanskrit prose romance Vasavadatta.
B is wrong because Bhatti wrote the Bhattikavya (Ravanavadha), which tells Rama's story while illustrating the rules of Sanskrit grammar.
D is wrong because Kamban wrote the Tamil Ramayana, the Ramavataram, in the Chola period.
Exam tip: Ramacharita (Sandhyakara Nandi) = Rama + Ramapala, a key source on the Palas of Bengal.
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