With reference to the poem Meghaduta, consider the following statements: 1. It was written by Banabhatta. 2. It imagines a monsoon cloud as a messenger between separated lovers. 3. It was written in Sanskrit. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (c). Explanation Meghaduta (The Cloud Messenger) is a celebrated lyric poem (Khandakavya) of ancient Indian literature. It is widely regarded as one of the masterpieces of the Gupta period, renowned for its poetic imagery and emotional depth. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Incorrect. The poem was written by Kalidasa, not Banabhatta. Kalidasa is traditionally associated with the court of Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) of the Gupta Empire. Banabhatta was the court poet of King Harsha (7th century CE) and is known for works such as Harshacharita and Kadambari. - Statement 2 is Correct. The narrative centers on a Yaksha (a celestial subject of King Kubera) who is exiled to central India. Suffering from separation, he implores a passing monsoon cloud to act as a messenger and carry tidings of his welfare to his wife in the city of Alaka in the Himalayas. - Statement 3 is Correct. The work is composed in Classical Sanskrit. It is famous for its use of the Mandakranta meter and provides detailed geographical descriptions of the route from Ramagiri to the Himalayas. Key Takeaway: Meghaduta is a Sanskrit lyric poem authored by Kalidasa during the Gupta period, distinct from the works of Banabhatta who lived during the reign of King Harsha.

NCERT Class 6 History — Chapter 11: Buildings, paintings and books

mcqeasy

With reference to the poem Meghaduta, consider the following statements:

It was written by Banabhatta.
It imagines a monsoon cloud as a messenger between separated lovers.
It was written in Sanskrit.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Meghaduta (The Cloud Messenger) is a celebrated lyric poem (Khandakavya) of ancient Indian literature. It is widely regarded as one of the masterpieces of the Gupta period, renowned for its poetic imagery and emotional depth.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect. The poem was written by Kalidasa, not Banabhatta. Kalidasa is traditionally associated with the court of Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) of the Gupta Empire. Banabhatta was the court poet of King Harsha (7th century CE) and is known for works such as Harshacharita and Kadambari.
Statement 2 is Correct. The narrative centers on a Yaksha (a celestial subject of King Kubera) who is exiled to central India. Suffering from separation, he implores a passing monsoon cloud to act as a messenger and carry tidings of his welfare to his wife in the city of Alaka in the Himalayas.
Statement 3 is Correct. The work is composed in Classical Sanskrit. It is famous for its use of the Mandakranta meter and provides detailed geographical descriptions of the route from Ramagiri to the Himalayas.

Key Takeaway:

Meghaduta is a Sanskrit lyric poem authored by Kalidasa during the Gupta period, distinct from the works of Banabhatta who lived during the reign of King Harsha.

Your note

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The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect. The poem was written by Kalidasa, not Banabhatta. Kalidasa is traditionally associated with the court of Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) of the Gupta Empire. Banabhatta was the court poet of King Harsha (7th century CE) and is known for works such as Harshacharita and Kadambari.
Statement 2 is Correct. The narrative centers on a Yaksha (a celestial subject of King Kubera) who is exiled to central India. Suffering from separation, he implores a passing monsoon cloud to act as a messenger and carry tidings of his welfare to his wife in the city of Alaka in the Himalayas.
Statement 3 is Correct. The work is composed in Classical Sanskrit. It is famous for its use of the Mandakranta meter and provides detailed geographical descriptions of the route from Ramagiri to the Himalayas.

Key Takeaway:

Meghaduta is a Sanskrit lyric poem authored by Kalidasa during the Gupta period, distinct from the works of Banabhatta who lived during the reign of King Harsha.