Question

Arrange the following in a chronological manner. (A) Ashtadhyayi of Panini
(B) The works of Kalidasa
(C) Compilation of the Puranas (in Sanskrit)
(D) Natyashastra of Bharata Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. D, C, A, B
• B. B, A, D, C
• C. A, D, C, B
• D. A, C, D, B

Hint:

A useful mnemonic for literary chronology: **Grammar (Panini)** always comes first to define the language, then **Theories (Natyashastra)** to define the arts, and finally **Epics/Stories (Puranas/Kalidasa)** to utilize them.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Ancient Indian literature evolved over centuries, starting from linguistic foundations to complex poetry and religious compilations.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Ashtadhyayi of Panini (A): This is the earliest work among these, dated to approximately the $5^{th}$ or $4^{th}$ century BCE. It established the rules of Sanskrit grammar.
2. Natyashastra of Bharata (D): This encyclopedic work on performing arts is generally dated between 200 BCE and 200 CE.
3. Compilation of the Puranas (C): While Puranic oral traditions are very old, their systematic compilation into the Sanskrit versions we know today largely took place from the $3^{rd}$ century CE onwards.
4. The works of Kalidasa (B): Kalidasa is the pinnacle of Classical Sanskrit literature, associated with the Gupta golden age (late $4^{th}$ to early $5^{th}$ century CE).
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct chronological order is A (Panini) $\rightarrow$ D (Natyashastra) $\rightarrow$ C (Puranas) $\rightarrow$ B (Kalidasa).
This matches option (C).