Which one of the following rivers had its ancient name as Niranjana?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (d) Phalgu

Explanation:

• The Phalgu river, which flows past Gaya in Bihar, was known in ancient texts as the Niranjana river.
• It is historically deeply significant because it is on the banks of this river at Bodh Gaya that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.

Information Booster:

• The Phalgu is formed by the confluence of the Lilajan (often identified specifically with the ancient Niranjana) and the Mohana rivers.
• The river is sacred to Hindus, and during the Pitru Paksha period, pilgrims flock to Gaya to offer Pind Daan for their ancestors in the river bed.

Additional Knowledge:

Karmanasa (Option a)

• A tributary of the Ganges in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, historically considered in myth as an 'impure' river.

Son (Option b)

• A major right-bank tributary of the Ganges, originating near Amarkantak, known for its yellow sand.

Punpun (Option c)

• A tributary of the Ganges originating in Jharkhand, also considered sacred for offering oblations to ancestors.

None of the above/More than one of the above (Option e)

• Incorrect, as Phalgu uniquely aligns with the ancient name Niranjana.

So the correct answer is (d)