Question map
On the banks of which one of the following rivers was the ancient Mahishmati located?
Explanation
Ancient Mahishmati was a prominent city in central India, historically located on the banks of the Narmada River. It served as the capital of the Haihaya kingdom under the legendary ruler Kartavirya Arjuna and was a significant urban center in the southern part of the Avanti kingdom. Ancient texts, including the Puranas and the Mahabharata, consistently associate the city with the Narmada. Modern scholars and archaeological perspectives often identify Mahishmati with present-day Maheshwar or the island of Mandhata (Omkareshwar) in Madhya Pradesh, both of which are situated along the Narmada. The city's strategic location on the river made it a vital hub for trade and political administration in the Anupa region. While other rivers like the Tapi flow nearby, historical records specifically place Mahishmati's 'pura' (settlement) on the sacred banks of the Narmada.