Consider the following statements regarding the ancient historical accounts of Uttarakhand: 1. The Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang, who visited India in the 7th century CE, recorded visiting a Himalayan kingdom named Brahmapura, which is widely identified by historians with parts of Garhwal and Kumaon. 2. The capital of the ancient state of Govisana mentioned by Xuanzang is located near present-day Kashipur in Uttarakhand. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Xuanzang documented his travels through northern Himalayan states, specifically noting Brahmapura as a prominent mountainous kingdom characterized by cold climate and agricultural produce, and Govisana corresponding to modern Kashipur in Udham Singh Nagar district. Both identifications are well-established in regional archaeological and historical literature. The accounts left by Xuanzang serve as primary written documentation for the political geography of northern India during the reign of Harshavardhana. Archaeological excavations at Govisana have revealed ancient brick structures and pottery matching his descriptions.