Historical Geography of the Epics
Ancient Name of Mahanadi River in Mahabharata
In the Mahabharata period, the Mahanadi river was known by names such as Nilotpala and Chitrotpala.
Primary Reference: State Board - Chhattisgarh History
Archived:
Updated:
Exam Year
2016
Evidence Source
Link ↗In the period of Mahabharata, the name of Mahanadi was-
[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. Prelims 2016]
Detailed Solution & Historical Context
Concept
Ancient Indian geography in the Epics used distinctive names for major rivers that often changed across different Yugas or periods.
Authentic Source Evidence
In the Mahabharata and Puranas, the Mahanadi (the major river of Odisha/Chhattisgarh) is referred to as Nilotpala or Chitrotpala. None of the provided options (A, B, C, D) are correct.
Analytical Breakdown
Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic
"Which ancient region was the Mahanadi river central to?"
The Mahanadi was the life-line of the ancient kingdom of Dakshina Kosala (modern-day Chhattisgarh).
Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip
"The variety of names for the Mahanadi in different Puranic texts (Kanaka-Nandini, Chitrotpala, Nilotpala) reflects its immense spiritual importance over time."
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