(a) Andhra                                                  

(b) Gandhara

(c) Kalinga                                                  

(d) Magadha

Answer: a

Explanation:

The Andhras are mentioned in the Aitareya Brahmana and the inscriptions of Ashoka.

Satavahans are identified with Andhras of Puranas.

The term Andhra-Bhritya in Puranas indicates that the ancestors of Satavahanas were subordinates of Mauryans.

Satavahana empire covered modern Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andra-Pradesh 

Amravati/ancient Dhanyakataka [Dhannakada] was an important town and capital of later Satavahanas on the right bank of the Krishna river in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh.

A large Buddhist establishment was located here. The establishment dates back to the Mauryan period. 

Hence, option a is correct.

Read : Previous Year UPSC History Questions (PYQs) With Explanation 2023