In which modern-day region of India was the 'Panchala' Mahajanapada located?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (D) Western Uttar Pradesh

Explanation:
• Panchala was one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas (great kingdoms) of ancient India (6th–4th centuries BCE).
• It was located in the Upper Gangetic plain, corresponding to the modern-day regions of Bareilly, Budaun, and Farrukhabad districts in Western Uttar Pradesh.
• The kingdom was divided by the Ganges river into Uttara Panchala (Northern Panchala) and Dakshina Panchala (Southern Panchala).

Information Booster:
• Capitals: The capital of Uttara Panchala was Ahichatra (modern Ramnagar), and the capital of Dakshina Panchala was Kampilya.
• Political Transition: It was initially a monarchical state but later transitioned into a 'Gana-Sangha' (republican form of government).
• Mahabharata Connection: Princess Draupadi is often referred to as 'Panchali' because she was the daughter of the King of Panchala.

Additional Knowledge:
• Punjab (Option A): Home to the Gandhara (partially) and Kuru borders.
• Andhra Pradesh (Option B): Only one Mahajanapada, Assaka (or Ashmaka), was located south of the Vindhyas on the banks of the Godavari in this general southern region.
• Eastern Uttar Pradesh (Option C): This region was the heartland of Mahajanapadas like Kashi, Kosala, and Malla.