Civil Services Prep

Prelims 2021 · Ancient History · Question 34

From the decline of Guptas until the rise of Harshavardhana in the early seventh century, which of the following kingdoms were holding power in Northern India?

  1. The Guptas of Magadha
  2. The Paramaras of Malwa
  3. The Pushyabhutis of Thanesar
  4. The Maukharis of Kanauj
  5. The Yadavas of Devagiri
  6. The Maitrakas of Valabhi

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  1. 1, 2 and 5
  2. 1, 3, 4 and 6
  3. 2, 3 and 4
  4. 5 and 6

Answer

1, 3, 4 and 6

1. Guptas of Magadha — Correct. After the imperial Guptas declined, the Later Guptas of Magadha remained a power in northern India in the 6th century.

2. Paramaras of Malwa — Incorrect. The Paramaras rose much later, mainly from the 9th–10th centuries CE, not in the post-Gupta to early 7th century phase.

3. Pushyabhutis of Thanesar — Correct. This dynasty, to which Harshavardhana belonged, was already an important power in northern India before Harsha's accession.

4. Maukharis of Kanauj — Correct. The Maukharis were a major north Indian power in the 6th century and were closely linked to the politics preceding Harsha.

5. Yadavas of Devagiri — Incorrect. The Yadavas of Devagiri belonged to the much later medieval period, especially the 12th–14th centuries.

6. Maitrakas of Valabhi — Correct. The Maitrakas ruled Valabhi in western India from the 6th century and were among the important contemporary powers.

Thus, the correct set is 1, 3, 4 and 6.

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