Introduction
Students preparing for university examinations often look for important questions and answers from Mrichchhakatika by Sudraka. This collection covers major characters, themes, social life, gambling, courtesans, and significant incidents from the play in an easy-to-understand format.
What according to Charudutta is his real cause of discomfort?
Ans: The real cause of discomfort of Charudutta is that from the prime poverty has befallen him, friends have stopped to come to his house. He himself says: “Friend, loss of money is not the cause of misery. Observe—
What pains me is that guests avoid coming to my house.” Maitreya who asks Charudutta that out of death and poverty, what would be chosen by him? Charudutta replies that he will go with death because the pain caused due to death is short-lived but the pain in case of poverty is like a never-ending one. When a house becomes devoid of its wealth, it, the
its influence gets reduced among people and it becomes like a desert. Similarly, the house of Charudutta has become like a desert avoided by the people. Charudutta asks Maitreya to offer ‘Bali’ to the Holy Mothers. Maitreya refuses to do so because he feels that all the worships and offerings are fruitless. The divine powers do not want to shower their blessings on them. Charudutta as a pious person virtuous man denies this conviction of Maitreya: “Nay, friend, say not so, this is the bounden duty of a householder.” The patience and responsibility of Charudutta comes under his virtuous qualities.
Comment on the prevalence of gambling and its ill effects present in the contemporary society.
Ans: Gambling, like prostitution, was also a legal thing in society. The play Mrichchhakatika shows characters like thieves, slaves and even shampooers. The conversion of the petty minded shampooer to a monk shows the impact of Buddhism on society. Samvahaka, who is a shampooer in the play, represents the high prevalence of gambling in the society. Gambling and its ill-effects were present in the contemporary society and the suffering of Samvahaka at the hands of the Gamester and Mathura depicts the evils related to gambling. Samvahaka is chased by the Gamester and Mathura because he is bound to them for ten gold-pieces. He tries to save himself by entering into a temple and stands like the “idol of goddess”. The chasers figure out him by playing the game of dice in front of Samvahaka. The addiction to gambling present in Samvahaka is too great in extent to control himself from playing. He is caught by Mathura and the Gamester. Samvahaka pleads to them for his to leave him. Mathura persists in his demand and asks Samvahaka to sell his parents and himself to return their money. The ill-effect of gambling is so much permeated in the society that the requirement of selling one’s own parents and oneself to obtain the can also come. Dardud Sardudraka who himself is a gambler enters into the scene and tries to help Samvahaka. Samvahaka escapes with the help of Darduraka after a brief conflict among Darduraka, gamester and Mathura. Samvahaka enters unknowingly
the house of Vasantasena for protection and aid. Vasantasena when comes to know that Samvahaka once used to serve Charudutta, helps him enormously. Samvahaka feels highly grateful to Charudutta and Vasantasena and resolves to become a Buddhist monk.
How does Maitreya represent the life of Brahmana in Mrichchhakatika?
Ans: Maitreya is the intimate friend of Charudutta in the Prakarana play Mrichchhakatika. He is truly depicts the lifestyle of Brahmans in Act I of the play. Although the condition of Charudutta has deteriorated after poverty befalls him. But before when goddess Lakshmi was showering her blessings, Maitreya used to “devour, day and night, upon the sweetmeats, emitting savoury smells at the effusion of breath and prepared with great care.” Maitreya used to be surrounded by hundreds of dishes, used to touch them repeatedly with his fingers and put them aside just like a painter. He used to ruminate like a bull in the public square. Invitations were sent to them for performance of rituals and rites. Maitreya, in act 1, contemplates on their miserable conditions and feels extremely disheartened for himself as well as Charudutta.
“Sir, I won’t go. You may order somebody else.” Describe briefly the night life of the time of Sudraka.
Ans: The time during night in the contemporary society was not extremely dangerous and unfit for good people to step outside their house. Maitreya who is ordered by charudutta to give offerings to Holy Mothers at the public square, ref refuses to perform the duty. It is so because the night used to permeate with people of
corrupt character on royal road, courtesans, their parasites and attendants. Corrupt people used to occupy the place during night and the vicious ones used to fear to go out in the dark, for they used to prevent being a prey to the corrupt people. Maitreya says that if he comes face to face with them, it will be like “a mouse with a black snake greedy of frogs”. This line said by Maitreya delineates the danger present in the city at night.
What was the role of courtesans in the society? State with reference to Mrichchhakatika.
Ans: The Act 1 of Mrichchhakatika offers a clear explanation of the role played by courtesans in the society of ancient India. The speech of Vita, friend of sakara, is the answer to it, gaies a precise description about courtesans and their role. The courtesan’s quarters used to be dependent on young men where they were provided with merriment and amusement. Courtisans used to be considered inferior women having no social importance in the society but they did have economic stability. Vita says, th “Vita says to Vasantasena, “you possess a body that can be bought for money and hence it is like an article for sale.” Courtesans were destined to some equally as per their professions. Vasantasena, who is a courtesan, ultimately denies to some sakara because she loves Charudutta, owing to his virtues and not wealth.
Briefly describe the role of Madanika.
Ans: Madanika is Vasantasena’s maid-servant who is also very intimate to her. Madanika in second act of the play tries to figure out the beloved of Vasantasena. She is quite clever and artistic in the skill of communication. She is capable of understanding the feelings of vasantasena (who is love-sick) by her absent-mindedness. Madanika riddles with Vasantasena in guessing the beloved. She also visited the garden of cupid with Vasanta-sena where the Vasantasena falls in love with Charudutta. Madanika is a servant, maid and a slave to Vasantasena who comes out of the slavery when the required sum of money is given to Vasantasena by sarvilaka. sarvilaka who steals the jewel casket of Vasantasena from the house of charudutta, gives the casket to her. Vasantasena to buy Madanika’s freedom. Vasantasena accepts the casket and gives freedom to Madanika. The B. freedom given to Madanika shows one aspect of the society which is slavery and how slaves used to buy their freedom. This aspect is absurd and non-human for modern generation but it was a practice of the ancient period.
A court of law. Sakara or samasthanaka brings murder charges against charudutta. Vasantasena’s mother is brought as a witness. she confirms that Vasantasena went to visit charudutta. Charudutta is brought in the court of law. The judge chastises samasthanka for bringing frivolous charges against Charudutta. Viraka runs in to accuse Chandanaka and confirms that he met a carriage carrying vasantasena to Charudutta’s. The judge sends Viraka to investigate the garden. viraka returns to report that there was a body which has been dragged off by animals. Charudutta reveals (in an aside to the audience) that he sent Maitreya to return the jewellery that Vasantasena had given to Radanika to buy Rohasena a gold toy cart. Maitreya enters revealing in an aside to the audience, that he didn’t make it to Vasantasena’s house, because he heard Charudutta had been arrested and came straightaway. Maitreya fights with samasthanaka and the jewellery falls on the floor of the court. Vasantasena’s mother calls the jewellery a forgery. The court suspect Charudutta. satisfied, samasthanaka leaves. Informed of the verdict, the king orders Charudutta’s execution, Charudutta asks Maitreya to bring Rohasena.
A public street. The executioners enter with Charudutta and announce the execution. Maitreya arrives with Rohasena. They both offer to trade places with Charudutta. Sthavaraka from a high prison window sees the commotion. He risks death leaping from the window and tells his story to the executioners. samasthanaka approaches, denying everything. Vasantasena and the monk enters and Vasantasena presents herself alive. samasthanaka flees away and everything is clarified. Sarvilaka enters proclaiming that he has killed the king and installed Aryaka on throne. samasthanaka is dragged in who begs to Charudutta for mercy. Charudutta sets him free. He puts the monk in charge of Buddhist monasteries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Mrichchhakatika by Sudraka
1. What is the real cause of Charudatta’s discomfort in Mrichchhakatika?
Charudatta believes that poverty itself is not his greatest suffering. What pains him most is that friends and guests no longer visit his house after he has lost his wealth and social status.
2. Why does Charudatta consider poverty worse than death?
According to Charudatta, death causes only momentary pain, whereas poverty brings continuous suffering, social neglect, and loss of respect throughout one’s life.
3. How does Sudraka depict the evils of gambling in Mrichchhakatika?
Sudraka portrays gambling as a destructive habit through the character of Samvahaka, whose addiction leaves him heavily indebted and pursued by creditors, illustrating the social and personal consequences of gambling.
4. What role does Samvahaka play in the play?
Samvahaka represents the victims of gambling addiction. His eventual decision to become a Buddhist monk symbolizes redemption and spiritual transformation.
5. How does Maitreya represent the life of a Brahmana?
Maitreya reflects both the privileges and hardships of Brahmana life. Through his recollections of prosperity and his present poverty, Sudraka highlights changing social and economic conditions.
6. What does the play reveal about the night life of ancient Ujjayini?
The play suggests that the streets at night were occupied by courtesans, gamblers, thieves, and other dubious characters, making them unsafe for respectable citizens.
7. What was the role of courtesans in ancient Indian society?
Courtesans were educated and skilled in music, dance, and other arts. Though economically independent and culturally influential, they lacked the social respect and domestic status enjoyed by married women.
8. Why is Vasantasena an important character in Mrichchhakatika?
Vasantasena is significant because she combines beauty, intelligence, independence, and compassion. Her love for Charudatta drives the central plot of the play.
9. Who is Madanika in Mrichchhakatika?
Madanika is Vasantasena’s maidservant and confidante. She plays a crucial role in the romantic subplot involving Sarvilaka and eventually gains her freedom.
10. How does Madanika contribute to the plot?
Madanika helps reveal Vasantasena’s feelings for Charudatta and connects several important events, including the theft of the jewel casket and Sarvilaka’s actions.
11. Why is Charudatta accused of murdering Vasantasena?
Charudatta is falsely accused because Sakara attempts to conceal his own crime and manipulates the circumstances to make Charudatta appear guilty.
12. What happens during Charudatta’s trial?
Despite his good reputation, suspicious evidence and misleading testimony lead the court to believe that Charudatta is guilty, resulting in a death sentence.
13. How is Charudatta saved from execution?
Charudatta is saved when Vasantasena reappears alive and reveals the truth about Sakara’s actions, proving Charudatta’s innocence.
14. What role does Aryaka play in the ending of the play?
Aryaka overthrows the unjust king and becomes the new ruler. His accession helps restore justice and contributes to the happy resolution of the drama.
15. Why does Charudatta forgive Sakara?
Charudatta’s forgiveness demonstrates his extraordinary compassion, generosity, and moral greatness, making him an ideal hero.
16. What are the major themes of Mrichchhakatika?
The major themes include love, poverty, social justice, generosity, corruption, forgiveness, friendship, and the triumph of virtue over evil.
17. Why is Mrichchhakatika considered a realistic Sanskrit drama?
Unlike many Sanskrit plays centered on kings and divine heroes, Mrichchhakatika focuses on ordinary people, urban life, social issues, and realistic human relationships.
18. What is the significance of the Clay Cart in Mrichchhakatika?
The Clay Cart symbolizes simplicity, domestic life, human values, and Vasantasena’s desire to become a part of Charudatta’s virtuous world.
19. Who are the hero and heroine of Mrichchhakatika?
Charudatta, a noble but impoverished merchant, is the hero, while Vasantasena, a wealthy and cultured courtesan, is the heroine of the play.
20. Why is Mrichchhakatika important in Sanskrit literature?
Mrichchhakatika is admired for its realistic characters, engaging plot, social commentary, humor, romance, and its portrayal of common people rather than royalty.