NCERT Class 12 History — Chapter 3: Kinship, Caste and Class - Early Societies (c. 600 BCE - 600 CE)

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In the Sanskrit play Mrichchhakatika composed by Shudraka, the protagonist Charudatta is portrayed as which of the following?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AA Shudra artisan
BA Kshatriya king
CA Buddhist monk
DA Brahmana merchant

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Solution

The correct option is A Brahmana merchant.

Explanation

Mrichchhakatika (The Little Clay Cart) is a celebrated Sanskrit drama attributed to Shudraka. It is classified as a Prakarana, a genre of drama that focuses on fictional situations involving ordinary people rather than mythological or royal themes.

Detailed Analysis:

The protagonist of the play, Charudatta, is described as a Brahmana by caste who pursues the profession of a merchant (Sarthavaha).
Residing in the city of Ujjayini, Charudatta is portrayed as a man of noble character who has become impoverished due to his excessive generosity.
The plot revolves around his romance with Vasantasena, a wealthy courtesan, and provides a realistic depiction of urban life, social stratification, and the judicial system of the time.

Key Takeaway: Mrichchhakatika is distinct in Sanskrit literature for featuring a hero who is a Brahmana merchant, highlighting the social mobility and occupational diversity of the period.

Your note

More from Chapter 3: Kinship, Caste and Class - Early Societies (c. 600 BCE - 600 CE)

With reference to the story of Ekalavya and Drona, consider the following statements: 1. Drona refused to teach Ekalavya because he did not belong to the Kuru lineage. 2. Ekalavya offered his right thumb as a fee to Drona. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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In ancient Sanskrit texts, the term ‘mlechchha’ was commonly used to refer to which of the following groups?

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In the epic Mahabharata, Ekalavya is described as belonging to which of the following social categories?

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According to the prescriptions of the Manusmriti, women were warned against hoarding family property or personal valuables without the permission of whom?

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Who among the following excavated the village of Hastinapura in Meerut in 1951-52?

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The correct option is A Brahmana merchant.

Explanation

Detailed Analysis:

The protagonist of the play, Charudatta, is described as a Brahmana by caste who pursues the profession of a merchant (Sarthavaha).
Residing in the city of Ujjayini, Charudatta is portrayed as a man of noble character who has become impoverished due to his excessive generosity.
The plot revolves around his romance with Vasantasena, a wealthy courtesan, and provides a realistic depiction of urban life, social stratification, and the judicial system of the time.

Key Takeaway: Mrichchhakatika is distinct in Sanskrit literature for featuring a hero who is a Brahmana merchant, highlighting the social mobility and occupational diversity of the period.