The relation between the two plays, Cârudatta and Mrcchakatika, was first examined in detail by Morgenstierne (1920) and Sukthankar (1922:59-74), who both concluded that the Cârudatta was written before the Mrcchakatika. Bhat (1985:72) explicitly states that it can be traced back to Bhâsa, but that it is incomplete.
Amongst the first who suggested the contrary, namely that the Cârudatta is only an adaptation of the first four acts of Shûdraka's Mrcchakatika were A.K. and K.R. Pisharoti (1923-25:108) and Raja after analysing the Prâkrit (1928:217-245). On the same plan is Sankar (1926-28:41-64), who concludes that the Cârudatta is an incomplete copy of the Mrcchakatika from approximately 750 A.D.
Kale (1982:40-41) and Pusalker (1968:178) on the contrary, are convinced of the fact that the Mrcchakatika with its more elaborate figures of style is an embellishment and extension of the Cârudatta, and consequently must be later. Banerjee (1985:289) is in line with them, suggesting that the Cârudatta is perhaps an earlier version. He points to the date and the authorship of the Mrcchakatika, which are still not solved in a decisive way (1985:285). Van Buitenen explains the name of Shûdraka as a pseudonym, taken by someone who admired the great Bhâsa, and as a mere servant, a little shûdra, completed the unfinished or damaged Cârudatta (1964:30). Comparison with Vishâkhadatta's Mudrârâkshasa places the Mrcchakatika close to the reign of Candragupta II Vikramâditya, with the latter play a bit earlier than the first play (1964:32).
Schokker (1968:586), finally, reaches the conclusion that the Mrcchakatika must be an anonymous adaptation of the original Cârudatta, which was complete in contrast to the Trivandrum Cârudatta. This original was written by Shûdraka, not by Bhâsa.
In conclusion it may be said that the matter is still undecided. The main possibilities are that either the Cârudatta is the older play, or the Mrcchakatika. In both cases the Cârudatta may be incomplete or complete. If complete, the Mrcchakatika must be an elaboration if the first case holds, or the Cârudatta must be an abridgment if the second case proves to be true. If incomplete, parts must have been lost either before the other play was composed or afterwards.