Consider the following statements about the Kamboja Mahajanapada:
1. It was located in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent.
2. It was regarded as cultured by the Brahmanical texts.
3. It had close trade and military relations with Central Asian tribes.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Statement 1 is correct: The Kamboja Mahajanapada was situated in the northwestern region, corresponding to parts of modern-day Afghanistan and Kashmir.
Statement 2 is not correct: By the 7th century B.C., the Kambojas were regarded as uncultured in Brahmanical texts, as they were seen as distinct from the orthodox cultural and religious practices of mainstream Vedic society. Brahmanical texts often regarded the Kambojas as uncultured or outside the orthodox Vedic traditions. The Manusmriti and other texts classify them as a mixed or degraded Kshatriya group, primarily because they did not strictly follow Vedic customs.
Statement 3 is correct: Due to their strategic location, the Kambojas engaged in trade and had strong military connections with Central Asian tribes. They were known for their expertise in warfare, including the use of horses, and had a significant role in facilitating cultural and economic exchanges.
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