Question

Identify the Indian state which was known as 'Pragjyotisha' during the epic period.
1. Kerala
2. Odisha
3. Assam
4. Bihar

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 3 : Assam

The correct answer is Assam.

• Assam was known as 'Pragjyotisha' during the epic period.

• In ancient Sanskrit literature, both the names ‘Pragjyotisha’ and ‘Kamrupa’ were used as a designation for ancient Assam.
  • Its antiquity can be established from the fact that it has been mentioned in the two great epics- The Mahabharata and the Ramayana and also in the Puranas.
  • Regarding the name ‘Prajyotisha’ or ‘Pragjyotishpura’, Gait (1992, reprint) writes that Prag means ‘former’ or ‘eastern’ and Jyotisha ‘a star’, astrology, shining. Pragjyotishpur may, therefore, be taken to mean the ‘City of Eastern Astrology’.
• References of Kamarupa are found in literature as well as in many epigraphs.
  • The mythology regarding the origin of the name Kamarupa tells us the story of Sati who died due to the discourtesy shown to her husband by her father Daksha.

•  The formation of the Indian State Assam was on 26 January 1950.
  • Assam became a constituent state of India with the partition of India in 1947.