Q. One of the earliest mentions of Bharat varsha is in
a) The writings of Ptolemy
b) The writings of Fa Hien
c) The Hathigumpha inscription
d) The Ajanta Caves
Question from Odisha OCS Paper 1 2024
The correct answer is: c) The Hathigumpha inscription.
Explanation: The earliest recorded mention of “Bharatvarsha” is found in the Hathigumpha Inscription, which dates back to the 1st century CE. This inscription was created by King Kharavela of Kalinga and provides valuable insights into ancient Indian history, culture, and governance. The term “Bharatvarsha” in this context referred to a broader geographical and cultural entity
