Question Details

Abhijnansakuntalam makes use of the following four languages

Options

A

Sanskrit, Shauraseni, Tamil and Maharshtri

B

Sanskrit, Shauraseni, Pali and Oriya

C

Sanskrit, Brajabuli, Maharashtri and Magdhi

D

Sanskrit, Shauraseni, Maharashtri and Magdhi

Show Answer

Correct Answer :

Option D

Sanskrit, Shauraseni, Maharashtri and Magdhi

Solution :

The correct option is Sanskrit, Shauraseni, Maharashtri and Magdhi.

Explanation:
Abhijnanasakuntalam, the masterpiece by the classical Sanskrit poet and playwright Kalidasa, follows the traditional rules of Sanskrit drama (Natya) regarding language distribution. In classical Indian theater, characters spoke different languages or dialects based on their social status, gender, and roles. This bilingual or multilingual format served to reflect the social realities and literary conventions of the time.

The four languages used in the play are:
1. Sanskrit: This classical language is spoken by high-status male characters such as King Dushyanta, the sage Kanva, and other priests or ministers.
2. Shauraseni (Prakrit): This Middle Indo-Aryan dialect is the standard prose Prakrit spoken by women of high status, including the protagonist Shakuntala and her companions Anasuya and Priyamvada.
3. Maharashtri (Prakrit): This dialect is primarily used for the lyrical portions, songs, and poetic verses sung by women and other characters within the drama.
4. Magadhi (Prakrit): This dialect is spoken by characters of lower social status, such as the fisherman in the famous ring-recovery scene, as well as the police constables.

Therefore, the combination of Sanskrit, Shauraseni, Maharashtri, and Magadhi represents the linguistic structure of Kalidasa's Abhijnanasakuntalam.

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