Question

Which one of the following correctly associates a city with its primary route of communication during the sixth century BCE?

• A. Pataliputra – Sea route; Ujjayini – Land route; Puhar – Riverine route; Mathura – Coastal route
• B. Pataliputra – Riverine route; Ujjayini – Land route; Puhar – Coastal route; Mathura – Land route
• C. Pataliputra – Land route; Ujjayini – Coastal route; Puhar – Riverine route; Mathura – Sea route
• D. Pataliputra – Coastal route; Ujjayini – Land route; Puhar – Coastal route; Mathura – Sea route

Hint:

When studying ancient trade routes, remember that riverine and coastal routes were crucial for connecting regions separated by large distances, while land routes linked interior cities.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

During the sixth century BCE, different cities in ancient India relied on specific routes for trade and communication. The primary communication routes for these cities were as follows:
- Pataliputra (modern Patna) was located near the confluence of the Ganges and Son rivers, making it most accessible by the riverine route.
- Ujjayini (modern Ujjain) was a key city in central India and had a primary connection through the land route, linking it to other parts of the subcontinent.
- Puhar (modern Kaveripattinam), located on the southeastern coast of India, was an important port city and used the coastal route for trade.
- Mathura was an important city in the northern region, connected by the land route to other trade centers.