Question 100 from UPSC CSE 2021 - Ancient History

Question

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.

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. 1, 3, 4, and 6

Strategy: Focus on the timeline from the decline of the Guptas to the rise of Harshavardhana (6th–early 7th century CE). Eliminate dynasties from later periods or incorrect geographical regions. The correct kingdoms for this era in northern India are:
- Guptas of Magadha
- Pushyabhutis of Thanesar
- Maukharis of Kanauj
- Maitrakas of Valabhi

Key Info: The phase between the decline of the Gupta Empire (mid-6th century CE) and the rise of Harshavardhana (early 7th century CE) was marked by political fragmentation in northern India.

### Key Kingdoms of the Period

- **The Guptas of Magadha:** After the Hun invasions, the later Guptas retained authority primarily over Magadha (present-day Bihar), albeit as a diminishing power.
- **The Pushyabhutis of Thanesar:** Originating near modern Haryana, this dynasty rose to prominence in the sixth–seventh centuries, with Harshavardhana emerging as the most famous ruler. Thanesar (near present-day Kurukshetra) was their capital.
- **The Maukharis of Kanauj:** Based in the Ganga-Yamuna doab at Kanauj (in present-day Uttar Pradesh), the Maukharis gained independence after the Gupta decline and became rivals and allies with other regional powers.
- **The Maitrakas of Valabhi:** Founded by Senapati Bhatarka around the mid-6th century CE, this dynasty established a powerful state in Saurashtra (Gujarat), with Valabhi as their capital, notable for patronage of Buddhism and trade.

### Anachronistic Dynasties

- **The Paramaras of Malwa:** Emerged much later, in the 9th–10th centuries CE, famous for rulers like Bhoja and not relevant to this period.
- **The Yadavas of Devagiri:** A major power in the western Deccan (modern Maharashtra) from the 12th–14th centuries CE, well after the period in question.

This political landscape set the stage for subsequent unification under Harsha and the later reorganization of regional kingdoms in northern India.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: 1, 2, and 5

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: 2, 3, and 4

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: 5 and 6