Question 29 from UPSC CSE 2020 - MEDIEVAL INDIA

Question

Consider the following events in the history of India:
1. Rise of Pratiharas under King Bhoja
2. Establishment of Pallava power under Mahendravarman-I
3. Establishment of Chola power by Parantaka
4. Pala dynasty founded by Gopala
What is the correct chronological order of the above events, starting from the earliest time?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. 2-4-1-3

Strategy: - Identify the approximate time periods for each ruler and dynasty.
- Establish Mahendravarman I (Pallavas) as the earliest, active in the early 7th century.
- Place Gopala (Pala dynasty) in the mid-8th century.
- Position King Bhoja (Pratiharas, Mihir Bhoja) in the later 9th century.
- Recognize Parantaka I (Chola power) as the latest, ruling from the late 9th to early 10th century.
- This chronological sequence yields the order 2-4-1-3.

Key Info: - **Mahendravarman I (Pallavas):** Reigned approximately 600-630 CE. Marked the peak of Pallava architectural and political power, particularly around Kanchipuram.
- **Gopala (Pala Dynasty):** Founded the Pala dynasty in Bengal around 750 CE through election. The Palas were known for extensive Buddhist patronage and ruled Eastern India until the 12th century.
- **Mihir Bhoja (Gurjara-Pratiharas):** The most renowned Gurjara-Pratihara ruler (c. 836-885 CE). Significantly expanded and consolidated the dynasty, especially with Kannauj as its capital.
- **Parantaka I (Chola Dynasty):** Ascended the throne in 907 CE. His reign marked one of the earliest phases of Chola expansion beyond core Tamil regions; notable for campaigns against the Pandyas and the title 'Maduraikonda'.

**Chronological Summary:**
The Pallavas (Mahendravarman I) chronologically precede the Palas (Gopala), followed by the Pratiharas (Mihir Bhoja), and finally the Cholas (Parantaka I) in early medieval South Asian history.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: 2-1-4-3

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: 3-1-4-2

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: 3-4-1-2