In early historic India, Srikakulam served as the capital of which ancient people or dynasty?

Introduction / Context:
This question tests knowledge of ancient Indian historical geography, especially the association between important cities and the dynasties that ruled from them. Srikakulam is linked with the history of the Andhras, who emerged as a significant political force in the Deccan. Understanding such capital city associations helps learners connect political history with regional locations and archaeological sites.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Srikakulam is given as an early historic capital city.
• The options list several dynasties or rulers: Sakas, Pahlavas, Andhras, and Ashoka.
• We assume the question refers to the ancient Andhras, often linked with the Satavahana context.

Concept / Approach:
The Andhras are associated with eastern Deccan and coastal regions, and Srikakulam figures in sources as one of their important centres. The Sakas and Pahlavas were foreign-origin groups whose major centres lay elsewhere in western and northwestern India. Ashoka was an emperor of the Maurya dynasty and not a region by itself. Thus, we identify which option correctly corresponds to Srikakulam as a capital in the context of regional power in ancient India and match it to the Andhras.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Andhras were an important ancient people who rose to prominence in the Deccan and eastern coastal regions. Step 2: Recognise that Srikakulam lies in the region that broadly corresponds to the historical Andhra area. Step 3: Note that the Sakas and Pahlavas are connected more with western India and northwestern frontiers, not with Srikakulam. Step 4: Understand that Ashoka was a Mauryan emperor whose capitals were Pataliputra and other Mauryan centres, not Srikakulam. Step 5: Conclude that only the Andhras match Srikakulam as a capital city.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard ancient Indian history references and regional histories of Andhra confirm that Srikakulam is associated with early Andhra power. By systematically eliminating other dynasties whose core regions lie elsewhere, we can confidently validate this answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
The Sakas primarily ruled in western and northwestern India and are not historically linked with Srikakulam as a capital. The Pahlavas similarly belong to a foreign-origin group whose centres were not in this region. Ashoka represents a Mauryan emperor and not a specific regional dynasty tied to Srikakulam. Therefore these options do not correctly match the location.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may guess based purely on name familiarity and select famous entities such as Ashoka or Sakas. Another error is to overlook regional geography and not connect Srikakulam with the Andhra region. It is helpful to mentally map important dynasties to their zones of influence in India.

Final Answer:
Srikakulam was the capital of the Andhras.