Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution
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Correct Answer: Option (C) — 1, 2, and 4
Concept & Option Breakdown
Standard Reference Verified- Pair 1 is correctly matched: Lothal (Harappan site in Gujarat) had a tidal dockyard connected to the Bhogavo River.
- Pair 2 is correctly matched: Sarnath (Deer Park / Rishipatana) near Varanasi is the site of Buddha's first sermon, known as the Dharmachakrapravartana.
- Pair 3 is incorrectly matched: The Lion Capital of Ashoka was erected at Sarnath (not Rajgir); it is now preserved in the Sarnath Museum and serves as India's National Emblem.
- Pair 4 is correctly matched: Nalanda was a premier Buddhist Mahavihara (monastic university) in ancient Bihar.
Pair 3 is false since the Lion Capital is famously from Sarnath. Eliminating 3 instantly leaves only (c) and (d); knowing Lothal is a dockyard confirms (c).
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