UPSC Prelims 2006 Q129: Ancient History – Archaeology & Epigraphy
Between
which of the following was the ancient town of Takshasila located?
- (a) Indus and Jehelum
- (b) Jhelum and Chenab
- (c) Chenab and Ravi
- (d) Ravi and Beas
Answer: (a) Indus and Jehelum
Explanation
Location of the ancient town of Takshasila (Taxila)
| River pair | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Indus and Jhelum | Yes — Taxila lay between the Indus and the Jhelum, near present Rawalpindi |
| Jhelum and Chenab | No |
| Chenab and Ravi | No |
| Ravi and Beas | No |
Takshasila (Taxila), a great centre of learning and trade in ancient India, was located between the rivers Indus and Jhelum.
Answer: (a) Indus and Jehelum.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Takshasila lay between the Indus and the Jhelum.
- (b) Incorrect. The region between the Jhelum and the Chenab is not where Taxila stood.
- (c) Incorrect. The region between the Chenab and the Ravi is further east.
- (d) Incorrect. The region between the Ravi and the Beas is far from Taxila.
Key point
The ancient town of Takshasila was located between the Indus and the Jhelum rivers.
Remember
Takshasila lay between the Indus and the Jhelum.
Common mistakes
- Placing Taxila further east in the Punjab between the Ravi and Beas.
- Confusing Taxila with Pataliputra or Mathura as a learning centre.
- Forgetting that it is now in Pakistan near Rawalpindi.
Exam tip
Taxila: north-west, between the Indus and the Jhelum; famous for its university and Gandhara art.
Sources
- R. S. Sharma — Ancient India (NCERT textbook for Class XI)
- John Marshall — Taxila: An Illustrated Account of Archaeological Excavations (Cambridge University Press, 1951)