Q. With reference to ancient India (600–322 BC), consider the following pairs:
Territorial region — River flowing in the region
I. Asmaka — Godavari
II. Kamboja — Vipas
III. Avanti — Mahanadi
IV. Kosala — Sarayu
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
✅ Correct Answer: (b) Only two
Explanation:
Pair I (Asmaka — Godavari): Correct. Asmaka (Assaka) was located in the Godavari valley near Nanded, with its capital at Potana (modern Bodhan). Buddhist and other ancient texts confirm its location along the Godavari.
Pair II (Kamboja — Vipas): Incorrect. Kamboja region was around Jhelum (Vitasta), not the Vipas (Beas). Vipas flows through Himachal Pradesh and Punjab.
Pair III (Avanti — Mahanadi): Incorrect. Avanti was in the Malwa region, with capitals at Ujjayini and Mahishmati. The Mahanadi river does not flow through this area.
Pair IV (Kosala — Sarayu): Correct. Sarayu was the main river of Kosala, with Ayodhya and Shravasti as its key cities.
