UPSC CSE Prelims
Political and Cultural Developments Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Practice solved questions for Political and Cultural Developments with detailed step-by-step solutions, key insights, and trend analysis for UPSC CSE PRELIMS.
Solved Previous Year Questions
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From the declines 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
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — 1, 3, 4 and 6
During the period between the decline of the Imperial Guptas (circa 550 CE) and the rise of Harshavardhana (606 CE), Northern India witnessed the emergence of several regional powers. The Later Guptas of Magadha, the Pushyabhutis of Thanesar, the Maukharis of Kanauj, and the Maitrakas of Valabhi were all prominent kingdoms that held power during this transitional period.
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: The Later Guptas (distinct from the Imperial Guptas) ruled parts of Magadha and Bihar from the 6th to 8th centuries CE.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: The Paramaras of Malwa emerged much later, around the 9th century CE, well after Harsha's time.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: The Pushyabhuti dynasty (Vardhana dynasty) ruled Thanesar in the 6th-7th centuries; Harshavardhana belonged to this dynasty.
✅ Statement 4 – Correct: The Maukharis ruled Kanauj in the 6th century and were important contemporaries of the declining Guptas.
❌ Statement 5 – Incorrect: The Yadavas of Devagiri rose to prominence in the 12th-13th centuries CE, much later than the period in question.
✅ Statement 6 – Correct: The Maitrakas established an independent kingdom in Valabhi (Gujarat) in the 5th-6th centuries CE after the Gupta decline.
📝 Short Notes: Post-Gupta Regional Kingdoms (550-606 CE)
| Dynasty | Region/Capital | Period | Key Facts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Later Guptas | Magadha | 6th-8th century CE | Separate from Imperial Guptas; ruled parts of Bihar and Magadha |
| Pushyabhutis (Vardhanas) | Thanesar (Haryana) | 6th-7th century CE | Harshavardhana belonged to this dynasty; consolidated power in Northern India |
| Maukharis | Kanauj | 6th century CE | Controlled the strategic city of Kanauj; allied with Pushyabhutis through marriage |
| Maitrakas | Valabhi (Gujarat) | 5th-8th century CE | Former Gupta feudatories who became independent; patronized Buddhism |
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