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 Maukharies of Kanauj
- 5. The Yadavas of Devagiri
- 6. The Maitrakas of Valabhi
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
1, 2 and 5
1, 3, 4 and 6
2, 3 and 4
5 and 6
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UPSC IAS – 2021
1. The Guptas of Magadha: While the main imperial line declined by the mid-6th century, a branch known as the Later Guptas continued to rule in Magadha and parts of Bengal during this period, sometimes contesting power with the Maukharies. So, they were holding power.
2. The Paramaras of Malwa: The Paramara dynasty rose to prominence much later, in the 9th and 10th centuries, ruling from Dhar. They were not significant powers in the 6th-early 7th century.
3. The Pushyabhutis of Thanesar: The Pushyabhuti dynasty, to which Harsha belonged, rose to power in the region of Thanesar (Kurukshetra) precisely during this period. Harsha’s father Prabhakaravardhana was a powerful ruler before Harsha. So, they were holding power.
4. The Maukharies of Kanauj: The Maukharies were a prominent ruling dynasty in the Gangetic plains, centered at Kanauj, during the late Gupta period and until the rise of Harsha. They were contemporaries and often rivals or allies of the Later Guptas and Pushyabhutis. Harsha’s sister Rajyashri was married to the Maukhari king Grahavarman. So, they were holding power.
5. The Yadavas of Devagiri: The Yadava dynasty of Devagiri rose to power in the Deccan much later, in the 12th and 13th centuries. They were not relevant to North Indian power dynamics in the 6th-7th century.
6. The Maitrakas of Valabhi: The Maitraka dynasty ruled in the Valabhi region of Saurashtra (present-day Gujarat) from the late 5th century to the late 8th century. They were a significant regional power during the period in question, contemporary with the powers in North India, and are generally considered alongside them in the political landscape of the time. So, they were holding power.
Therefore, the kingdoms holding power in Northern India and surrounding areas during this period include the Guptas of Magadha, the Pushyabhutis of Thanesar, the Maukharies of Kanauj, and the Maitrakas of Valabhi.
– Major powers in North/West India included the Later Guptas, Pushyabhutis, Maukharies, and Maitrakas.
– Paramaras and Yadavas rose to power much later.