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?

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.

Answer

Option A: 2-1-4-3

Answer

Option B: 3-1-4-2

Answer

Option D: 3-4-1-2