Part of: Assam Gk set 19

Old name of Assam?

Category: Assam Gk

Hint: Consider ancient and medieval historical references.

Correct Answer: B) Pragjyothishpur

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The history of Assam, a state in northeastern India, is rich and complex, with a long lineage of rulers and dynasties. One of the most significant periods in Assam's history is the era of the Kamarupa Kingdom, which flourished from the 4th to the 12th century. During this time, the region was known by several names, one of which was Pragjyothishpur.

Pragjyothishpur is an ancient name that reflects the cultural and historical significance of the region. The term "Pragjyothishpur" is derived from Sanskrit, where "Prag" means "before" or "ancient," and "Jyotish" means "light" or "astronomy." Thus, Pragjyothishpur can be interpreted as "the land of ancient light" or "the land of ancient astronomy." This name underscores the region's importance in the field of astronomy and its rich cultural heritage.

It is important to distinguish between the historical names of Assam and its current administrative designations. For instance, Dispur is the capital city of Assam, but it is not an old name for the state. Similarly, "Assom" is a misspelling of the current name "Assam," which is not an ancient name for the region. The current name "Assam" is a relatively modern term that has been in use since the British colonial period.

Understanding the historical names of regions is crucial for comprehending the cultural and historical context of a place. In the case of Assam, Pragjyothishpur is a significant name that reflects the region's ancient past and its contributions to various fields, including astronomy and culture. This knowledge is essential for students of history and those preparing for competitive examinations that cover the geography and history of Indian states.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Dispur is the capital city of Assam, not an old name for the state. This option is incorrect because it refers to a modern administrative designation rather than a historical name.
  • Option B: Pragjyothishpur is the correct answer. This was an ancient name for the region that is now known as Assam, used during the Kamarupa Kingdom era. This option is correct as it accurately reflects the historical name of the state.
  • Option C: Assom is a misspelling of the current name Assam. This option is incorrect because it does not refer to an old name of the state but rather a variant of the current name.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect because there is a known historical name for Assam, which is Pragjyothishpur. Therefore, "None of the above" is not the correct choice.

Mnemonic: PRAgjyothishpur: P for Pragjyothishpur, ancient Assam.

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