UPSC CSE Prelims

Subject: Ancient History Chapter: Post-Guptas: Rise Of Harshavardhana

2021 PYQ

Question 22

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?

The Guptas of Magadha
The Paramaras of Malwa
The Pushyabhutis of Thanesar
The Maukharis of Kanauj
The Yadavas of Devagiri
The Maitrakas of Valabhi

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Correct answer: B

Correct Option: B (1, 3, 4 and 6) Explanation: After the decline of the imperial Guptas, Later Guptas, Pushyabhutis, Maukharis and Maitrakas were contemporaneous powers; Paramaras and Devagiri Yadavas rose much later. Statement / Pair / Item-wise Analysis: 1. Correct / qualifies - Later Guptas held Magadha in the sixth century. 2. Incorrect / does not qualify - Paramaras of Malwa belong mainly to the early medieval period centuries later. 3. Correct / qualifies - Pushyabhutis ruled Thanesar and later produced Harsha. 4. Correct / qualifies - Maukharis held Kanauj in the sixth century. 5. Incorrect / does not qualify - Devagiri Yadavas became prominent in the medieval Deccan, not this period. 6. Correct / qualifies - Maitrakas ruled Valabhi in western India from the fifth century. Option-wise Analysis: A. Incorrect-includes item 2, which is not valid (Paramaras of Malwa belong mainly to the early medieval period centuries later); includes item 5, which is not valid (Devagiri Yadavas became prominent in the medieval Deccan, not this period); omits valid item 3 (Pushyabhutis ruled Thanesar and later produced Harsha); omits valid item 4 (Maukharis held Kanauj in the sixth century); omits valid item 6 (Maitrakas ruled Valabhi in western India from the fifth century). B. Correct-selects exactly the supported statements/items: 1, 3, 4, 6. C. Incorrect-includes item 2, which is not valid (Paramaras of Malwa belong mainly to the early medieval period centuries later); omits valid item 1 (Later Guptas held Magadha in the sixth century); omits valid item 6 (Maitrakas ruled Valabhi in western India from the fifth century). D. Incorrect-includes item 5, which is not valid (Devagiri Yadavas became prominent in the medieval Deccan, not this period); omits valid item 1 (Later Guptas held Magadha in the sixth century); omits valid item 3 (Pushyabhutis ruled Thanesar and later produced Harsha); omits valid item 4 (Maukharis held Kanauj in the sixth century).