Chapter I — Introduction: The Land, The Name, Sources
Q1. According to the book, Mithilā is identified with which ancient names?
Explanation: The opening chapter treats Mithilā as the land of the Maithilas and explicitly connects it with Videha, Tirabhukti and modern Tirhut.
Q2. What approximate modern geographical belt does the book place Mithilā in?
Explanation: The chapter defines Mithilā as a tract between the Himalayan foothills and the Ganga, with districts of north Bihar and the Terai.
Q3. Which rivers are repeatedly used to describe the boundary of Mithilā?
Explanation: The land is described through rivers such as Kausikī/Kosi, Gandakī and the Ganga, with the Himalaya to the north.
Q4. Why is Mithilā called important in ancient Indian intellectual history?
Explanation: The chapter emphasizes Mithilā as a centre of philosophical discussion and learning.
Q5. In the book, the name “Videha” is connected with which legend?
Explanation: The Śatapatha Brāhmaṇa legend of Māthava Videgha is presented as central to the name Videha.
Q6. Who is said to have founded Mithilā after the legend of Nimi?
Explanation: The chapter relates the traditional account in which Nimi’s son Mithi founds the city/kingdom associated with Mithilā.
Q7. Which name does the book say occurs first in the Śatapatha Brāhmaṇa?
Explanation: The chapter states that Videha is the earliest well-known name in the older tradition.
Q8. How does the book treat “Tirabhukti”?
Explanation: Tirabhukti/Tirhut is discussed as a later historical name beside Videha and Mithilā.
Q9. What does the book say about Megasthenes and Fa-hian for ancient Mithilā?
Explanation: The source discussion notes the absence of direct accounts from Megasthenes and Fa-hian.
Q10. Which source class gives much early information about Videha?
Explanation: The book uses Vedic literature as a primary early source for Videha.
Q11. Which Upaniṣads are highlighted as important for the period?
Explanation: The source section stresses the Chāndogya and Bṛhadāraṇyaka Upaniṣads.
Q12. Which non-Brahmanical traditions are listed as sources?
Explanation: The book names Buddhist and Jaina sources as major aids where Brahmanical sources become less useful.
Q13. What is said about the Purāṇas as sources?
Explanation: The chapter warns that Purāṇic material can conflict and must be weighed carefully.
Q14. Which foreign traveller is said to provide information about later Lichchhavis/Tirabhukti and Videha?
Explanation: The source survey mentions Yuan Chwang as useful for later political information.
Q15. Which local document is described as important for medieval Mithilā kings?
Explanation: The chapter describes the Panji-prabandha/chronicle as important for later dynastic material.
Q16. What is the tone of the author toward earlier writings on Mithilā?
Explanation: The author says earlier material exists but often lacks critical and systematic historical approach.
Q17. Which ancient city is emphasized as a famous centre of Mithilā?
Explanation: The book repeatedly discusses Janakapura as a capital associated with Mithilā/Videha.
Q18. What is a main aim of Chapter I?
Explanation: Chapter I sets the foundation by treating land, nomenclature and sources.
Q19. The book presents Mithilā as historically important mainly because it had:
Explanation: The introduction stresses both political history and intellectual-cultural achievements.
Q20. Which phrase best describes the author’s method in Chapter I?
Explanation: The source chapter shows a critical, comparative historical method.
Score: 0 / 20 answered: 0 / 20
← विदेह ई-लर्निङ्ग हब पर वापस जाउ