Who among the following is the earliest available Indian dramatist?

Correct option is C

Explanation:

Bhasa is regarded as the earliest available Indian dramatist in Sanskrit literature. Although there is no exact dating of Bhasa’s life, he is believed to have lived sometime between the 3rd century BCE to the 3rd century CE. He is considered an essential figure in the early development of Indian drama and was later rediscovered in the 20th century.

His famous works include plays such as "Swapnavasavadatta", which portrays the conflict between the lovers and the backdrop of a political situation. "Pratijna Yaugandharayanam" is another well-known play by Bhasa, which presents dramatic dialogue and action between its characters. He is credited with being the pioneer who set the foundation for Indian classical drama, with his works focusing on human emotions, moral conflicts, and historical settings.

Bhasa’s influence was profound in Sanskrit theater, and while he wasn't as widely known in his time, his rediscovery in the 20th century brought new appreciation for his role in shaping classical Indian literature.

Information Booster:

Bhasa is a Sanskrit dramatist whose works, unfortunately, were lost for many centuries. His plays were rediscovered in the early 20th century, which ignited significant interest in ancient Sanskrit drama.

Some of his major works include:

"Swapnavasavadatta": This play deals with the reunion of the separated lovers and has elements of both comedy and romance.

"Pratijna Yaugandharayanam": This is another well-known historical drama that deals with war and peace themes.

"Abhisheka Nataka": A drama based on royalty and political intrigue.

Bhasa is a precursor to the classical Sanskrit Nataka genre, which was later developed further by Kalidasa.

Bhasa’s plays primarily consist of fables, heroic dramas, and stories from epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana.

His plays are characterized by direct dialogue, intense action, and focus on human emotions, particularly love, betrayal, and loyalty.

Bhasa’s plays were noted for their directness and simplicity in contrast to later dramatists such as Kalidasa.

He is particularly famous for his historical and mythological themes, dealing with the adventures of legendary figures and gods.

The main element of his plays was the action-driven narrative, and they often showcased heroic acts, interpersonal conflict, and deep moral dilemmas. His works provided an excellent balance between drama, mythology, and philosophy.

Additional Knowledge:

Kalidasa:

Kalidasa, while being a renowned figure in Sanskrit drama, came after Bhasa. His works are far more poetic and lyrical than Bhasa’s. Kalidasa's famous works include "Shakuntala", "Vikramorvashiyam", and "Raghuvamsa". Kalidasa focused more on lyrical beauty, poetic meter, and naturalistic descriptions, whereas Bhasa’s works were more action-oriented and straightforward in style.

Bhavabhuti:

Bhavabhuti, another significant Sanskrit dramatist, was much later than Bhasa, and he is known for his epic themes and intense emotional dramas, like "Malati-Madhava" and "Uttara-Rama-Charita". Bhavabhuti's works reflect a mature classical stage of Sanskrit drama, while Bhasa's plays reflect earlier forms of theatrical traditions.

Rajasekhara:

Rajasekhara, a 9th century dramatist, was a prolific writer, known for his works like "Kavyamimamsa" and "Balaramayana".