Classical Sanskrit drama: Identify the author of ‘‘Mṛcchakaṭika’’ (The Little Clay Cart). Full question: ‘‘Mirchchhakatika’’/‘‘Mṛcchakaṭika’’ was written by which ancient Indian playwright? Choose the correct option.

FactMṛcchakaṭika (‘‘The Little Clay Cart’’) is traditionally attributed to Śūdraka (Shudraka), noted for its realistic social themes and character depth.

Eliminating distractorsKālidāsa, Bhāsa, Viśākhadatta, and Bhavabhūti authored other classics (e.g., Abhijñānaśākuntalam, Svapnavāsavadatta, Mudrārākṣasa, Mālatīmādhava) but not Mṛcchakaṭika.

Final AnswerŚūdraka (Shudraka).