Geographical and Economic Studies in the Mahabharata: Upayana Parva c3.11

c3.11

Geographical studies apart from their vital relationship to a true estimate of the historical evolution, are of distinct value for chronological considerations also. Geographical references like so many of the social, political and economic institutions are likely to be of great value in deciding questions of relative chronology. The critical apparatus from this source has yet to be formulated. For example, a minute study of the application of the name Mālava to different regions in the Panjab, Rajputana and ultimately to present Malawa in Central India from epigraphic and literary sources would reveal the course and the time of migration of the Mālava tribe and be helpful in checking the time of the works in which Mālava is applied to present Malwa. Besides, a critical estimate of the different geographical concepts of the ancient Indians, e.g. the determining of the exact significance of the term Bhārata, Airāvata and other Varshas with their Janapada divisions and river names is sure to prove a study of the utmost value. The time now seems to be ripe for laying the foundations of a full and comprehensive expository scheme of the science of ancient Indian geography supported by numerous detailed maps of various descriptions.