Question Discussion & Solution

Mahajanapadas refers to ancient Indian Kingdoms that existed between the 3rd and 6th centuries BCE.

• These kingdoms and republics had evolved and flourished in a belt stretching from Gandhara in the North West to Anga in the Eastern part of the Indian subcontinent.
• It included parts of the trans-Vindhyan region, prior to the rise of Buddhism in India.

Important Points

Some of the Mahajanapadas are as follows:

From the above, we can conclude that Chedi Janapad is not from Rajasthan.

The correct answer is Purusha Sukta.

• In the 10^th Mandala of the Rigveda, Purusha Sukta reflects upon the marriage ceremonies.

About Rig Veda

• Rig Veda was said to be composed between 1500-1200 B.C, also known as the ‘first testament of mankind’.
• It is a collection of 10,600 verses and 1,028 hymns.
• It consists of 10 books also known as mandals, each mandal consists of Suktas.
• The concept of the Varna system has been mentioned in Rig Veda which is still practiced in Hindu society today.
• It consists of various secrets about the origin of the universe, the origin of Lord Shiva, the origin of Lord Varuna, etc.

🔑 Key Points

• Dayaram Sahni carried out the first extensive excavations at Harappa in 1921, leading to its identification as a major site of the Indus Valley Civilization.
• R.D. Banerji is credited with the discovery of Mohenjo-Daro in 1922.
• John Marshall was the Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) at the time and officially announced the discovery of the Indus Valley Civilization to the world.
• Alexander Cunningham was the first Director-General of the ASI, and while he investigated Harappa in the 19th century, he did not recognize its significance as part of a lost civilization.

The people of the Harappan civilization were Urban.

• It is also known as an urban civilization because it was built like a city.
• The people also built a drainage system for cleanliness, the houses of the city were built with bricks.
• In the city of Mohenjodaro, archaeologists found bath tank which was earlier known as a great bath.
• It was built for bathing and they were also built small rooms to change clothes.

The correct answer is Ashoka.

Sanchi Stupa:

• It is a Buddhist complex i.e. situated in the Raisen District of Madhya Pradesh.
• It is considered the oldest stone structure in India.
• It was designed by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka within the 3rd century BCE.
• It is also the UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Sanchi Stupa motif is a feature that can be seen in the new Rs. 200 note.
  • ​It was also known as Kakanaya, Kakanava, Kakanadabota and Bota-Sriparvata in ancient times.

​Key Points

• Ashoka was the Emperor of the Muryan Dynasty from 268 -232 BCE.
• He promoted Buddhism religion in Asia.
• During his rule, Patliputra was the capital. 

​Important Points

• UNESCO: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
  • All those sites that have cultural, historical, scientific, or other forms of significance are considered as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
  • There are a total of 40 World Heritage Sites in India.
  • In 2019, Pink City (Jaipur) was added as the World Heritage Site of India.
  • In July 2021, Dholavira, Gujarat, and Ramappa Temple, Telangana has been added to the list.