UPSC EPFO APFC

Day 5

A. Dholavira Dholavira, located in the Kutch district of Gujarat Extensive water conservation structures: Dholavira is renowned for its sophisticated water management system. It features a series of massive, stone-cut reservoirs and complex channels designed to harvest and store rainwater, which was crucial given its arid location. The Signboard: Archaeologists discovered a unique inscription consisting of ten large-sized symbols of the Indus script, often referred to as the "Dholavira Signboard." It is one of the longest and most significant examples of Indus script found in one place. Cylindrical seals: While square and rectangular seals are standard across the Indus Valley Civilization, Dholavira (along with a few other sites like Kalibangan) yielded Indus-type cylindrical seals, indicating potential cultural and trade linkages with Mesopotamia, where cylindrical seals were the norm. Why the others don't fit perfectly Lothal is most famous for its artificial dockyard, bead-making factory, and double burials. Harappa is noted for its row of granaries, workmen's quarters, and R-37 cemetery. Banawali (Haryana) is best known for a high quantity of barley and a terracotta model of a plough.

Answer: (A) Vayu Purana Explanation The Vayu Purana is one of the 18 Mahapuranas and is considered an important source for the historical geography of ancient India. In its Bhuvanakosha (geographical section), it describes various regions, rivers, mountains, and sacred places across the Indian subcontinent. The Vayu Purana specifically mentions: Kalinga – An ancient kingdom extending over present-day coastal Odisha and northern Andhra Pradesh. Odra (Odra Desha) – The land inhabited by the Odra tribe, regarded as the nucleus of present-day Odisha. Baitarani River – A sacred river of Odisha, revered in Hindu tradition and believed to help the departed soul cross to the afterlife. Goddess Viraja (Biraja) – The presiding deity of the Biraja Temple at Jajpur, one of the important Shakti Peethas. The Purana groups these geographical and religious features together while describing the sacred landscape of ancient Odisha. Hence, Vayu Purana is the correct answer. Other options (B) Manu Smriti Primarily a Dharmashastra dealing with social laws, duties (dharma), varna system, inheritance, marriage, and legal principles. It is not a geographical text and does not describe Kalinga, Odra, Baitarani, and Viraja together. (C) Mahabharata Mentions Kalinga, Odra, and other kingdoms in connection with political events and the Kurukshetra War. However, it does not mention Kalinga, Odra, Baitarani River, and Goddess Viraja together as a single geographical-religious description.