During the Mauryan period, Kalinga was the ancient name of which dominant present day coastal state?

Correct option is C

The correct answer is: (c) Odisha.
Kalinga:

• During the Mauryan period, Kalinga was a prominent ancient kingdom located in the eastern part of the Indian subcontinent.
• The region corresponds largely to the present-day state of Odisha and parts of northern Andhra Pradesh.
• The capital of Kalinga during the Mauryan period was Tosali (modern-day Sisupalgarh).
• Kalinga War (261 BCE): Emperor Ashoka fought a fierce war to conquer Kalinga, which resulted in massive bloodshed and subsequently led to Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism.

Why not the other options?

Andhra Pradesh:

• While northern parts of Andhra Pradesh may have been influenced by the Kalinga kingdom, the core of Kalinga was in modern-day Odisha.
• Andhra Pradesh was historically associated with other regions like Satavahanas and later Andhra Ikshvakus.
• Andhra Pradesh is Major producer of rice, earning the nickname "Rice Bowl of India".
  Kuchipudi: One of the classical dance forms of India originated in Andhra Pradesh.

Tamil Nadu:

• Tamil Nadu was never part of the Kalinga kingdom.
• It was historically associated with the Cholas, Pandyas, and Cheras.
  
• Bharatanatyam, one of the classical dance forms, originated in Tamil Nadu.
•  Pongal, the harvest festival, is widely celebrated inTamil Nadu.
  

Karnataka:

• Karnataka was primarily the region of ancient kingdoms such as the Kadambas, Chalukyas, and Gangas.
• Yakshagana: A traditional dance-drama form of Karnataka.
• Contributions to Carnatic music.
  

UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

• Hampi: Ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire.
• Western Ghats: Includes Kudremukh, Bandipur, and Nagarhole National Parks.