When pandava kings built the city what was the name they called .....

Category: Delhi Gk

Hint: Think about the epic Mahabharata and the city built by the Pandavas.

Correct Answer: A) Indraprastha

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC, History Exams

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The city of Delhi has a long and rich history, with several names associated with different periods in its past. One of the earliest and most significant names is Indraprastha, which is deeply rooted in Indian mythology and history. According to the epic Mahabharata, Indraprastha was the name given to the city built by the Pandavas, the five brothers who were central figures in the epic.

The name Indraprastha is derived from two Sanskrit words: "Indra," the king of gods in Hindu mythology, and "prastha," which means city or settlement. The city was built by the Pandavas after they won a game of dice against their cousins, the Kauravas, and were granted the barren land of Khandavaprastha. The Pandavas, with the help of their divine architect, Maya Danava, transformed this land into a magnificent city, which they named Indraprastha.

Indraprastha is significant not only for its historical and mythological importance but also for its role in the development of the region. The city was located in the area that is now part of modern-day Delhi, and it served as the capital of the Pandavas during their reign. The epic Mahabharata provides detailed descriptions of the city, highlighting its grandeur and the various structures and facilities it contained.

It is important to distinguish Indraprastha from other historical names associated with Delhi. For example, Shajahanabad, mentioned in one of the options, is a name given to the city during the Mughal era, specifically during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan. This name is not related to the Pandavas or the time of the Mahabharata. Similarly, the modern name "Delhi" is a more recent name and does not reflect the historical context of the Pandavas' city.

Understanding the historical names of Delhi and their significance is crucial for students of history, particularly those preparing for competitive examinations such as the UPSC, SSC, and State PSC. The name Indraprastha is a key piece of information that connects the city's ancient past with its rich cultural heritage.

Option Analysis:

Option A: This is the correct answer. Indraprastha was the name given to the city built by the Pandavas during the time of the Mahabharata. The name is derived from the combination of Indra, the king of gods, and prastha, meaning city or settlement.
Option B: This is incorrect. Shajahanabad is the name given to the city during the Mughal era, specifically during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan. It is not related to the Pandavas or the time of the Mahabharata.
Option C: This is incorrect. While Delhi is the modern name of the city, it was not the name used during the time of the Pandavas. The city was known as Indraprastha during that period.
Option D: This is incorrect. There is a specific name for the city built by the Pandavas, which is Indraprastha. Therefore, "None of the above" is not the correct answer.

Mnemonic: Pandavas = P for Prastha, Indra + Prastha = Indraprastha

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