📘 Question (IAS Prelims 2025 | GS-I)

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?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All the four

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✅ Correct Answer

(b) Only two

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🎯 Theme of the Question

Mahajanapadas | River geography | Political–geographical mapping in Ancient India

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🧠 Classroom Explanation

UPSC frequently tests an integrated understanding of history and geography, especially in Ancient India. Mahajanapadas were not merely political entities; their growth and stability were closely linked to river systems that supported agriculture, trade, and urbanisation.

The key skill tested here is the ability to map ancient regions with their correct river systems and avoid superficial similarities.

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🔎 Pair-wise Analysis

Pair I: Asmaka — Godavari ✅ (Correct)
Asmaka (Assaka) was one of the Sixteen Mahajanapadas and the only one located in the Deccan. It was situated on the banks of the Godavari and broadly corresponds to parts of present-day Maharashtra and Telangana.
Therefore, Asmaka–Godavari is correctly matched.

Pair II: Kamboja — Vipas ❌ (Incorrect)
Kamboja was located in the north-western region of the Indian subcontinent (modern Afghanistan–Pakistan–Kashmir areas). Vipas (Beas) flows primarily through Punjab. The core area of Kamboja lay further west than the Beas river basin.
Therefore, Kamboja–Vipas is not correctly matched.

Pair III: Avanti — Mahanadi ❌ (Incorrect)
Avanti was located in west-central India (Malwa region), with Ujjain as a key centre. The Mahanadi flows mainly through Chhattisgarh and Odisha in east-central India.
Therefore, Avanti–Mahanadi is not correctly matched.

Pair IV: Kosala — Sarayu ✅ (Correct)
Kosala was located in the Awadh region of present-day Uttar Pradesh, with major cities like Ayodhya and Shravasti. The Sarayu river flows through Ayodhya.
Therefore, Kosala–Sarayu is correctly matched.

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✅ Final Count

I ✅
II ❌
III ❌
IV ✅

Number of correctly matched pairs = 2
✔️ Answer: (b) Only two

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🧩 One-Line Memory Hook

Asmaka–Godavari and Kosala–Sarayu are the only safe matches.