U.P.P.C.S. Prelims 2012

Early Medieval Geography

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Pundravardhan Bhukti was located in:

Solution & Analysis

Answer: A

Concept A 'Bhukti' was an administrative unit equivalent to a province in ancient and early medieval India. Pundravardhan was the most prominent Bhukti of Eastern India.

Explanation Inscriptions and historical records identify Pundravardhan Bhukti as encompassing modern-day North Bengal (specifically the Bogra and Dinajpur regions). Its capital was Pundranagara (modern Mahasthan).

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: During the Gupta and Pala periods, it was a flourishing center of trade and religion.
Logic 2: It sat on major trade routes and was known for its fertility and silk/textile production, stretching from the Padma river to the Himalayas.

Active Recall

Question

What is the modern name of the capital of Pundravardhan?

Answer

The ancient capital Pundranagara is now the archaeological site of Mahasthangarh in Bangladesh.

Core Insight

Pundravardhan was the 'granary' of the Pala Empire, providing the agricultural wealth necessary for their military campaigns.