Q1. Answer with reference to the context
- (i)) “That first creator of the Creator That Bearer of oblations offered with Holy Rites: That one who utters the Holy Chants: Those two that order Time: That which extends," (100 words)
- (ii)) “Now I see no other course open but the fourth—punishment. The kings are marching to Kurukshetra to their doom!” (100 words)
- (iii)) “This music hall is empty! Where could the actors have gone? (reflecting) Ah! I got it!—The home of a sonless person is empty; he who doesn't have a real friend finds all the time empty; the quarters are empty to a fool; and everything is empty to a poor man." (100 words)
- (iv)) “One saw the fine work of making Cloth from silk, fur and cotton In the weavers quarters. Silk, coral, Sandalwood, agar, flawless pearls, Gems, gold, and an endless profusion Of rare ornaments were piled high In the commodious streets." (100 words)
Key Points:
- Quote (i) is the *nandi* (benedictory verse) from Kalidasa's *Abhijnanasakuntalam*, invoking Lord Shiva's eight forms (Ashtamurti).
- Quote (ii) is from Bhasa's *Karnabhara*, spoken by Vasudeva (Krishna), lamenting the failure of *Sama, Dana, Bheda* and the inevitability of *Danda* (war).
- Quote (iii) is Charudatta's reflection on emptiness in Sudraka's *Mrcchakatika*, highlighting poverty and societal values like the importance of a son.
- Quote (iv) is a vivid description of a prosperous ancient Indian city, illustrating skilled craftsmanship and flourishing luxury trade, typical of Kalidasa's *Raghuvamsa*.
Answer: