Which in the following is not the eastern coastal port of ancient India?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 4:
Pantal is correctly identified as the port that was *not* located on the eastern coast of ancient India. Historically, 'Pantal' is often associated with the region of Pātāla or Pataliputra (though Pataliputra was primarily an inland capital, not a coastal port) or sometimes mistaken for another minor port. Crucially, in the context of major ancient Indian ports, Pantal does not feature as one of the prominent maritime trading centers on the East Coast like the others listed. The question asks for the port that is *not* on the eastern coast, and based on the established geography of major ancient ports, Pantal is the odd one out, lacking the historical significance and confirmed geographical location on the Bay of Bengal coast.

The incorrect option is 1:
Tamluk (ancient Tamralipti) was a highly significant port located near the mouth of the Ganges in the present-day state of West Bengal. It served as a vital gateway for maritime trade connecting India with Southeast Asia, China, and Ceylon (Sri Lanka), firmly establishing it as a key eastern coastal port.

The incorrect option is 2:
Korkoi (also known as Kolkoi) was a major trading port located near the mouth of the Tamraparni River in the Pandya kingdom, which is situated on the Gulf of Mannar, making it an established part of the South Eastern Coast (the Coromandel Coast). It was renowned for its pearl fishery and trade with Roman and Greek merchants.

The incorrect option is 3:
Kaveripattanam (Puhar) was the renowned port city of the Chola kingdom, located at the confluence of the Kaveri River and the Bay of Bengal, deep in the eastern coastal region. It was a flourishing center for overseas trade during the Sangam period, confirming its status as an important eastern coastal port.