In the context of ancient Himachal Pradesh administrative history, the term 'Kuninda' refers to a prominent tribal republic that occupied the territory corresponding to which modern river basins?

💡 Solution & Explanation

The Kunindas inhabited the region lying between the upper courses of the Yamuna and Sutlej rivers, covering parts of modern southern Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, as established by their notable coinage featuring the image of Sage Vishvamitra and deer. Their coins, mostly dating from the 1st century BCE to the 3rd century CE, demonstrate a well-established monetary economy in the sub-Himalayan foothills. The capital or major center of the Kunindas is often associated with the region around Kalsi and Shimla hills.