On the given political outline map of India , locate and label the following places with appropriate symbols :
(i) Lothal – A mature Harappan site
(ii) Amaravati – A Buddhist site
(iii) (a) Delhi – A territory under Mughals
OR
(iii) (b) Vijayanagara – A medieval period kingdom
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Lothal = Western coast (Gujarat) - the only major Harappan dockyard.
Amaravati = Southeastern coast (Andhra Pradesh) - famous for the 'marble' stupa.
Vijayanagara = Central Deccan (Karnataka) - capital of the Rayas on the Tungabhadra river.
Always use the river systems (Yamuna, Krishna, Tungabhadra) as landmarks for precise mapping.
• Map-based questions in History require the precise geographical identification of archaeological sites, cultural centers, and political capitals.
• Identifying these locations involves understanding the physical geography of India (rivers, coasts) and correlating them with historical subahs or regions.
Step 1: Identifying and locating Lothal (Harappan site)
Lothal was a prominent port city of the Indus Valley Civilization.
To locate it on the map, identify the state of Gujarat in Western India.
Specifically, mark the point at the head of the Gulf of Khambhat, near the mouth of the Sabarmati River. This site was crucial for maritime trade with Mesopotamia. Step 2: Identifying and locating Amaravati (Buddhist site)
Amaravati is famous for its great stupa and unique school of sculpture.
On the map, move to the southeastern state of Andhra Pradesh.
It is situated on the south bank of the Krishna River in the Guntur district. This site represents the spread of Buddhism in the Deccan under the Satavahanas. Step 3: Identifying and locating Delhi (Mughal territory)
Delhi served as the heart of the Mughal Empire for centuries.
Locate the northern part of the Indo-Gangetic plain.
Mark the site on the western bank of the Yamuna River, positioned between the modern boundaries of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Under the Mughals, it was an administrative subah and a majestic capital (Shahjahanabad). Step 4: Identifying and locating Vijayanagara (Medieval kingdom)
Vijayanagara was the capital of a powerful South Indian empire founded in 1336.
On the map, locate the central-northern part of the state of Karnataka.
It is situated in the semi-arid landscape on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. The ruins of this city are now known as Hampi, characterized by a unique combination of riverine and rocky defenses.
