Identifying the Artificial Lake in Gujarat from the Mauryan Period

The question asks us to identify an artificial lake located in Gujarat that was constructed during the rule of the Mauryan dynasty. Understanding the historical context of ancient Indian lakes and reservoirs is key to answering this question.

Analyzing the Options

Let's examine the given options to determine which one fits the description:

• Sudarshana Lake: Historical texts indicate that Sudarshana Lake was an artificial reservoir built near Girnar in present-day Gujarat. It is well-documented that its initial construction took place during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Mauryan Empire, under the supervision of his provincial governor, Pushyagupta Vaishya. Later inscriptions also record repairs to this lake by subsequent rulers, including those from the Saka and Gupta dynasties. This aligns perfectly with the question's description of an artificial lake in Gujarat built during the Mauryan rule.
• Pushkar Lake: Pushkar Lake is a natural lake located in Pushkar town in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan. It is a sacred lake for Hindus and is not an artificial reservoir built during the Mauryan period in Gujarat.
• Lonar Lake: Lonar Lake is a saline soda lake located in Lonar in Buldhana district, Maharashtra. It was created by a meteorite impact during the Pleistocene Epoch. It is a natural lake formed much earlier than the Mauryan period and is not in Gujarat.
• Loktak Lake: Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India, located in Manipur. It is famous for its floating phumdis (heterogeneous mass of vegetation, soil, and organic matter). It is a natural lake and is neither artificial nor located in Gujarat, nor associated with the Mauryan period.

The Correct Identification

Based on the historical evidence, the Sudarshana Lake is the only option that matches the criteria of being an artificial lake located in Gujarat and built during the Mauryan period.

The construction of such a large reservoir like Sudarshana Lake during the Mauryan era reflects the advanced engineering and administrative capabilities of the empire, which invested in irrigation and water management for agriculture.

Therefore, the lake that fits the description is Sudarshana.

Revision Table: Ancient Lakes and Reservoirs

Additional Information: Mauryan Engineering and Water Management

The Mauryan Empire, known for its centralized administration and large-scale projects, placed significant importance on agriculture. Effective water management systems, including the construction of tanks, canals, and reservoirs like the Sudarshana Lake, were crucial for ensuring agricultural productivity and supporting the large population and economy of the empire. Inscriptions, such as those found on the Junagadh rock (Girnar inscription of Rudradaman I and Skandagupta), provide valuable historical evidence about the construction, maintenance, and importance of Sudarshana Lake through different historical periods, starting from the Mauryan era.