With reference to the scholars/litterateurs of ancient India, consider the following statements: 1. Panini is associated with Pushyamitra Shunga. 2. Amaras

1. A. 1 and 2 only
2. B. 2 and 3 only
3. C. 3 only
4. D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: C

Explanation

Paṇini (4th century BCE or “6th to 5th century BCE”) was an ancient Sanskrit grammarian and a revered scholar in ancient India. Considered the father of linguistics, Paṇini likely lived in the northwest Indian subcontinent during the Mahajanapada era. Hence statement 1 is not correct. Pushyamitra Sunga (185 BC TO 151 BC): Pushyamitra Shunga was the founder and first ruler of the Shunga Empire in East India. He was a follower of Hinduism. Pushyamitra was originally a Senapati “General” of the Maurya Empire. In 185 BCE he assassinated the last Mauryan Emperor, Brihadratha Maurya, during an army review, and proclaimed himself emperor. Chandragupta II, also called Vikramaditya, powerful emperor (reigned c. 380–c. 415 ce) of northern India. He was the son of Samudra Gupta and grandson of Chandragupta I. During his reign, art, architecture, and sculpture flourished, and the cultural development of ancient India reached its climax. Chandragupta-II was known for his deep interest in art and culture and nine gems or Navratna adorned his court. The group comprised of Kalidasa Vetala Bhatta Varahamihira Vararuchi Amarasimha. Hence statement 2 is not correct. Dhanvantari kshapanak Shanku Ghatakarpura Kalidasa was a famous Sanskrit writer and poet in the court of Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya). Hence statement 3 is correct.