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U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2008

Historical Geography

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer by using the codes given below the lists: | List-I (Site) | List-II (River) | | :--- | :--- | | A. Harappa | 1. Godavari | | B. Hastinapur | 2. Ravi | | C. Nagarjuna Konda | 3. Ganga | | D. Paithan | 4. Krishna |

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept Most ancient civilizations and urban centers were riverine, utilizing water for sustenance, trade, and defense.

Explanation Harappa is on the Ravi; Hastinapur is the Kuru capital on the Ganga; Nagarjunakonda is an Ikshvaku site on the Krishna; and Paithan (Pratishthan) is the Satavahana capital on the Godavari.

Logical Breakup
Harappa (2): Ravi (Punjab, Pakistan).
Hastinapur (3): Ganga (UP).
Nagarjunakonda (4): Krishna (Andhra Pradesh).
Paithan (1): Godavari (Maharashtra).

Active Recall

Question

Why were capitals like Paithan and Nagarjunakonda located on major rivers?

Answer

Rivers provided essential irrigation for the agrarian surplus needed to support a capital and served as internal trade arteries.

Core Insight

The transition from the Ravi (Harappa) to the Ganga (Hastinapur) and later to the Godavari/Krishna reflects the southward and eastward expansion of urbanization in India.

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