[Solved] Nilotpala: The Ancient Name of Mahanadi River

The ancient name 'Nilotpala' for Mahanadi was stated in-

[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2017]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

Ancient Indian Puranas often serve as records of historical geography, providing old names for rivers and regions that help trace cultural evolution.

Authentic Source Evidence

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).

Analytical Breakdown

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.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"By what other name is Mahanadi known in the Puranas?"

It is also known as 'Chitrotpala', particularly in the context of the Treta Yuga according to some regional traditions.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The change in river names across different Puranas reflects the shifting poetic and religious perceptions of India's river systems over centuries."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

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