Correct option is A
Takshashila, located in present-day Pakistan, was an ancient city renowned for its learning. It served as a major center of education during the Mauryan and pre-Mauryan periods. The city hosted one of the earliest universities in the world, where students came to study subjects like philosophy, medicine, law, and military science.
Information Booster:
- Takshashila is mentioned in ancient Indian texts like the Mahabharata and Buddhist Jatakas.
- It attracted scholars like Chanakya (Kautilya) and Panini, the Sanskrit grammarian.
- The city thrived around 1000 BCE to 500 CE.
- The teaching system followed a guru-shishya (teacher-student) tradition.
- It was an essential hub for Buddhism and Hinduism.
- Its strategic location on the ancient trade route connected it with other cultural hubs.
Additional Knowledge:
- (b) Battle: While Takshashila wasn't directly known for battles, it held strategic importance during Alexander's invasion.
- (c) Arts and Architecture: Gandhara art flourished in nearby regions, but Takshashila's focus was education.
- (d) Trade and Commerce: The city benefited economically due to its position on trade routes but was not solely a trade hub.