Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 171

Consider the following Statements: Xuan Zang and other pilgrims spent time studing in Nalanda (Bihar) Coffee plantations are located in Odisha, Bengal and Bihar. According to Adam's report there were over 1 lakh Pathshalas in Bengal and Bihar. Which of the following statement(s) is/are true?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the historical significance of Nalanda and the educational institutions in Bengal

Correct Answer: D) Only 1, 3.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, Civil Services

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

Nalanda University, located in the state of Bihar, was one of the most renowned centers of learning in ancient India. It attracted scholars and pilgrims from various parts of the world, including Xuan Zang, a Chinese Buddhist monk and traveler who visited Nalanda in the 7th century. Xuan Zang spent several years at Nalanda, studying Buddhist texts and engaging in scholarly discussions. This historical fact underscores the significance of Nalanda as a center of learning and pilgrimage.

Regarding the second statement, coffee plantations are not typically found in the states of Odisha, Bengal, and Bihar. Coffee cultivation in India is primarily concentrated in the southern states, particularly in Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. These regions have the appropriate climatic conditions, including high rainfall and moderate temperatures, which are conducive to coffee cultivation. Therefore, the statement about coffee plantations in Odisha, Bengal, and Bihar is not accurate.

The third statement refers to the educational institutions known as Pathshalas, which were traditional schools in Bengal and Bihar. These institutions played a significant role in the education system of the region during the pre-colonial and colonial periods. According to historical reports, there were over 1 lakh Pathshalas in Bengal and Bihar. This information highlights the importance of these educational institutions in the region and their contribution to the spread of education.

In summary, the correct answer is that only statements 1 and 3 are true. Xuan Zang and other pilgrims did study at Nalanda, and there were indeed over 1 lakh Pathshalas in Bengal and Bihar. The statement about coffee plantations in Odisha, Bengal, and Bihar is not accurate, as coffee cultivation is primarily found in the southern states of India.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect because it includes only statements 1 and 2. Statement 2 about coffee plantations in Odisha, Bengal, and Bihar is not accurate, as coffee plantations are primarily located in southern states like Karnataka and Kerala.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect because it includes all three statements. Statement 2 about coffee plantations in Odisha, Bengal, and Bihar is not accurate, as coffee plantations are primarily located in southern states like Karnataka and Kerala.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect because it includes only statements 2 and 3. Statement 2 about coffee plantations in Odisha, Bengal, and Bihar is not accurate, as coffee plantations are primarily located in southern states like Karnataka and Kerala.
  • Option D: This option is correct because it includes statements 1 and 3. Xuan Zang and other pilgrims did study at Nalanda, and Adam's report did mention over 1 lakh Pathshalas in Bengal and Bihar.

Mnemonic: Nalanda for pilgrims, Pathshalas for education

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