MRICHHAKATIKA QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS MARKS 5
Q.1. Describe the gateway of Vasantasena’s house after Maitreya.
Ans. When Maitreya comes to Vasanatasena with a message from Charudutta, he is shown the gate by the maid. Maitreya says that the threshold has been sprayed and cleaned recently and have been coated with a layer of green colour. The gate looks pretty with all sorts of flowers engraved or drawn on it. The gate seems to be quite tall so that it almost reaches the sky. The garlands of jasmine that are hung from the gate appear like the trunks of elephants that live in the sky. The gate is adorned with an ivory portal which shines brightly.
The banners red in colour are very inviting. Clean rows of jugs and jars are kept for the visitors. The same jars are decorated with mango-twigs and flowers. Finally, the door of the gate is made with gold with diamonds studded on them. Other than reflecting the riches of Vasanaatsena the description also serves to highlight the descriptive powers of Sudraka.
MRICHHAKATIKA QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS MARKS 5
Q.2. Critically comment on the court room scene in Act IX.
Ans. Act IX provides an insight into the judicial administration of Ujjayni. The Judge was assisted by two assessors, and justice appears to have been both impartial and speedy. Yet the proper procedure of the courts seems to have been hardly followed in this speedy dispersal for the dead body wasn’t recovered which is one of the chief evidences in a case like this. Yet the presiding judge had to follow well formulated rules of evidence and procedure in recording facts and well-examined witnesses; but he could give his decision only in the form of a recommendation. The passing of the final order lied with the sovereign.
If the facts were not clearly established by evidence recourse had to be taken with four kinds of ordeals – ‘poison, water, balance and fire. A trail by ordeals was fairly common in the ancient times for a serious offence. A criminal awarded a capital punishment could be set free if someone paid a heavy ransom. Further a son might be born in a king’s household and al the convicts might be set free on the happy occasion. An elephant might break the bondages and in the commotion a convict might escape and ultimately a king might pardon all the convicts. The last category came to be true for Charudutta.
MRICHHAKATIKA QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS MARKS 5
Q.3. Comment on the character and role of Maitrya.
Ans. Sudraka’s genius of bringing the dry bones of rhetoric to life can be seen in the character of Maitreya, who is a Vidushaka. The Vidushaka is a stock character somewhat akin to the jester in English drama. Sudraka retains some of the essential characteristics of Vidushaka in Maitreya such as eagerness to good food and other items of luxury and comfort, and extreme devotion to his friend. But his treatment as a character is not like usual Vidushaka. Sudraka elevates his stock characteristics by bestowing him quaint humour and making him follow his friend even in death.
These traits which make Vidushaka’s gross are absent in Maitreya, he is neither a fool, though sometimes he deliberately behaves as such, nor a glutton. However, his love for Charudutta proves to be his and his friend’s undoing. In the penultimate act his scuffle with Sansthanaka reveals the jewels and leads to the conviction of Charudutta. ……
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MRICHHAKATIKA QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS MARKS 5