Question

Which of the following creeper occupied a prominent place in the play 'Sakuntala' written by Kalidasa during the rule of Chandragupta II?

• A. Hiptage madablota
• B. Adenocalymma alliaceum
• C. Clerodendrum splendens
• D. Quisqualis indica

Hint:

Kalidasa's play 'Abhijnanasakuntalam' features Shakuntala's close bond with nature. The "Madhavi lata" creeper is famously associated with her and is botanically identified as Hiptage madablota or Hiptage benghalensis.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Adenocalymma, Clerodendrum and Quisqualis have no classical Sanskrit literary association with Shakuntala's hermitage.
Step 2: The "Madhavi lata" repeatedly described around Shakuntala is identified botanically as Hiptage benghalensis, synonym Hiptage madablota.
Step 3: This native, fragrant Indian creeper fits the Gupta-period Sanskrit setting of the play.
Step 4: Correct option: \( \boxed{\text{Hiptage madablota}} \).