RAS question
The ancient city of 'Nagari' (Madhyamika), known for Kushan period ruins, is located near:
Correct answer: (B) Chittorgarh.
Nagari, the ancient Madhyamika known for remains from early historical periods including the Kushan period, is located near Chittorgarh.
Explanation
Nagari is the right identification because the Rajasthan Tourism Chittorgarh page places Nagari 18 km north of Chittorgarh and says it was known in antiquity as Majhimika or Madhyamika. Nagari was an important ancient city about 13 km north of Chittorgarh, with remains from the Mauryan, Sunga and Kushan periods. Its importance is not just locational. The Ghosundi and Hathibada inscriptions found here are counted among the earliest evidence of Vaishnavism in India. So, when the question asks for the ancient city of Nagari or Madhyamika, the Chittorgarh link is the decisive clue.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Jaipur is associated with Bairath in Rajasthan history, but Nagari or Madhyamika is placed near Chittorgarh, not Jaipur.
- (C) Ajmer appears only as a reference point for the Barli inscription, while Nagari itself is described as north of Chittorgarh.
- (D) Udaipur is not the location marker for Nagari; ancient Madhyamika is tied to the Chittorgarh area.
Concept
This tests Rajasthan’s ancient urban and archaeological sites, especially the ability to connect old place-names with present locations. RAS repeats such items because inscriptions, coins and excavated remains anchor political, religious and cultural history in specific Rajasthan sites.