Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
The ancient name 'Nilotpala' for Mahanadi was stated in-
Solution & Analysis
Answer: D
Concept
Ancient Indian Puranas often serve as records of historical geography, providing old names for rivers and regions that help trace cultural evolution.Explanation
The river Mahanadi, which flows through Chhattisgarh and Odisha, is referred to as 'Nilotpala' in the Vayu Purana. Different Puranas used different epithets for the river across various cosmic cycles (Yugas).Logical Breakup
Option D is Correct: The Vayu Purana identifies the river as Nilotpala, symbolizing the 'Blue Lotus'.
Logic: Other Puranas like the Matsya or Brahma also mention peninsular rivers but the specific identification of Nilotpala for Mahanadi is most prominent in the Vayu Purana.