“Kamarupa” in ancient Indian history was the old name of the region that largely corresponds to which present-day Indian state?

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your knowledge of historical geography, where older regional names are matched with present-day Indian states. “Kamarupa” was a powerful kingdom and cultural region in early medieval India. Knowing what present-day area it roughly corresponds to helps you interpret historical texts and inscriptions that use the old name instead of modern political boundaries.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The historical name mentioned is “Kamarupa.”
• We are asked which present-day state mostly covers that region.
• Options: Bihar, Assam, West Bengal, Odisha.
• We assume broadly accepted historical-geographical identifications.

Concept / Approach:
Kamarupa was an ancient kingdom located in the Brahmaputra valley and surrounding hill regions in the north-east of the Indian subcontinent. Its core area largely corresponds to modern Assam and sometimes extended into neighbouring regions. While parts of present-day West Bengal or other states might have interacted with Kamarupa, the name is most strongly and consistently associated with the area now known as Assam, which is what exam questions typically expect.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Kamarupa was an early medieval kingdom centred in the north-eastern region of India. Step 2: Remember that the Brahmaputra valley, now mainly in Assam, formed the heart of this kingdom. Step 3: Compare this with the options: Bihar (Ganga plains), West Bengal (lower Ganga delta), Odisha (eastern coastal region), Assam (northeast river valley). Step 4: Recognise that historical maps typically equate Kamarupa with Assam. Step 5: Select Assam as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
History texts dealing with early medieval north-east India routinely state that “the region of present-day Assam was known as Kamarupa in early times.” Many inscriptions and Puranic references to Kamarupa are correlated with sites and dynasties in Assam. Bihar, West Bengal and Odisha have their own distinct historical names and kingdoms (such as Magadha, Vanga, Kalinga), making it unlikely for Kamarupa to refer primarily to them. This consistency across sources verifies the answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option a (Bihar) was historically part of Magadha, Anga and other kingdoms, not Kamarupa. Option c (West Bengal) corresponds more to ancient Vanga and areas around Pundravardhana. Option d (Odisha) is associated with Kalinga and Utkal. While there may have been political contacts between these regions and Kamarupa, the name Kamarupa is not primarily used as their earlier designation. Thus, these options do not correctly reflect the old name–new state mapping asked in the question.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse old regional names like Kamarupa, Kalinga, Magadha, Vanga and Kosala because they appear together in historical narratives. Another pitfall is to think of Kamarupa as any generic north-eastern region and guess randomly. To avoid this, remember a simple association: Kamarupa ≈ ancient Assam in the Brahmaputra valley, Kalinga ≈ coastal Odisha, Magadha ≈ parts of Bihar, and so on. Visualising them on a map further solidifies this understanding.

Final Answer:
“Kamarupa” was the old name for a region that largely corresponds to present-day Assam.