The correct answer is: d) Maitraka Period.
Bharuch (Barygaza) flourished as a major trading center during the Maitraka Period (475-788 CE). The Maitrakas were a dynasty of rulers who ruled Gujarat in western India from the 5th to the 8th centuries CE. They were patrons of art, literature, and religion, and they made Bharuch a major center of trade and commerce.
The Mauryan Period (322-185 BCE) was a time of great political and economic expansion in India. The Mauryan Empire was founded by Chandragupta Maurya, who united much of the Indian subcontinent under his rule. The Mauryans were patrons of art, literature, and religion, and they built a strong and efficient government. However, the Mauryan Empire declined in the 2nd century BCE, and Bharuch was no longer a major trading center during this time.
The Gupta Period (320-550 CE) was another time of great cultural and economic prosperity in India. The Gupta Empire was founded by Chandragupta I, who extended the empire to include much of northern India. The Guptas were patrons of art, literature, and science, and they made India a major center of learning and culture. However, the Gupta Empire declined in the 6th century CE, and Bharuch was no longer a major trading center during this time.
The Kshatrapa Period (2nd century BCE-6th century CE) was a time of political instability in western India. The Kshatrapas were a dynasty of rulers who ruled Gujarat and parts of Rajasthan from the 2nd century BCE to the 6th century CE. They were constantly at war with the Guptas, and they were unable to maintain order in their kingdom. As a result, Bharuch declined as a major trading center during this time.
In conclusion, the port city of Bharuch (Barygaza) flourished as a major trading center during the Maitraka Period (475-788 CE). The Maitrakas were a dynasty of rulers who ruled Gujarat in western India from the 5th to the 8th centuries CE. They were patrons of art, literature, and religion, and they made Bharuch a major center of trade and commerce.