Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

History

Chapter

Ancient India: Kinship, Caste and Class

Question:

What was complex about Charudatta, the hero of the play Mrichchhakatika, written by Shudraka?

Options:

Charudatta was described as both a Brahmana and a supporter of the rights of Shudras.

Charudatta was described as both a Brahmana and a Kshatriya

Charudatta was described as both a Brahmana and a Sarthavaha or Merchant.

Charudatta was described as a Brahmana but he consumed meat and liquor.

Correct Answer:

Charudatta was described as both a Brahmana and a Sarthavaha or Merchant.

Explanation:

Charudatta was described as both a Brahmana and a Sarthavaha or Merchant. This was a complex thing to understand as a single person belonged to two castes in the play.

In the play "Mrichchhakatika" written by Shudraka (circa fourth century CE), the protagonist Charudatta was portrayed as possessing dual identities - that of a Brahmana and a sarthavaha, or merchant. Similarly, in a fifth-century inscription, two brothers were mentioned as making a donation for the construction of a temple, identified as kshatriya-vaniks, signifying their combined roles as both warriors and merchants. These instances exemplify the multifaceted nature of social identities in ancient Indian society, where individuals could assume multiple roles and affiliations simultaneously.