Takshashila University of ancient India was located between which two important rivers of the northwestern subcontinent?

Introduction / Context:
Takshashila, also known as Taxila, was one of the most renowned centres of learning in ancient India. Its geographical location between two rivers contributed to its prosperity and connectivity. This question examines both historical and geographical knowledge by asking which river pair defined its setting in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The place of interest is Takshashila or Taxila University. • We must identify the two rivers between which it was located. • Options involve different combinations of Indus, Jhelum, Ravi, Beas, Satluj and Chenab. • Standard ancient India history and geography sources are assumed.

Concept / Approach:
Takshashila lay in the region that is now in Pakistan, in the valley between the Indus and Jhelum rivers. The Indus system in this region includes several tributaries, but Taxila is specifically linked with the area between Indus and Jhelum. The approach is to recall this association from maps and history texts.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Taxila was in the northwestern part of the Indian cultural sphere, near the Indus River. Step 2: Many descriptions mention it as lying between the Indus and Jhelum rivers. Step 3: Examine the options and identify the river pair that matches this description exactly. Step 4: Options involving Ravi, Beas, Satluj or Chenab would correspond to different parts of the Punjab region, not specifically to the Taxila area. Step 5: Therefore select Indus and Jhelum as the correct pair.

Verification / Alternative check:
Historical atlases that show the Gandhara region highlight Taxila near the junction of routes between Indus and Jhelum. Standard history textbooks for exams describe Takshashila as being situated between the Indus and Jhelum rivers. This fact is repeated in many objective type question banks, which confirm Indus and Jhelum as the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Jhelum and Ravi: This pair lies further east inside the Punjab region and does not match the classic location of Taxila. Beas and Indus: Beas is more to the east and south and is not commonly associated with the Taxila valley. Satluj and Indus: This combination misplaces Taxila further south and west compared with its known position. Chenab and Ravi: Both are in the Punjab heartland and are not the two rivers mentioned in standard descriptions of Takshashila.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes confuse the general region of the five rivers of Punjab with the specific valley of Taxila and randomly choose any pair. Another pitfall is forgetting that Jhelum lies to the east of the Indus in the area where Taxila developed, making this pair distinctive. Memorising the phrase Taxila between Indus and Jhelum helps lock in the correct answer.

Final Answer:
Takshashila University was located between the Indus and Jhelum rivers.