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U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2009

Puranic Geography

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

According to Puranas, the prime place of Chandravansh's ruler was-

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept Puranic genealogies divide ancient Indian dynasties into two main lineages: the Suryavansha (Solar) and the Chandravansha (Lunar), each anchored to specific geographic capitals.

Explanation While Ayodhya is the hallmark of the Suryavansha (Kings like Rama), the Puranas identify Pratishthanpur (near modern Jhusi, Prayagraj) as the primary seat and capital of the Chandravansh (Lunar Dynasty) founded by Pururavas.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Pratishthanpur served as the center from which the Chandravanshi lineage, including the Kauravas and Pandavas, eventually branched out.
Logic 2: Ayodhya (Option B) is famously associated with the Solar dynasty, notably the lineage of Ikshvaku and Rama.
Logic 3: Kasi and Shravasti were important Mahajanapada capitals but were not the primary ancestral seat of the Lunar line.

Active Recall

Question

Who was the legendary founder of the Chandravansh at Pratishthanpur?

Answer

Pururavas, the son of Budha and Ila, is considered the founder of the Chandravansh lineage in Puranic tradition.

Core Insight

The geographic distinction between Ayodhya and Pratishthanpur in the Puranas serves to delineate the political spheres of the Solar and Lunar lineages in ancient Indian lore.

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