UPSC CSE Prelims
Post-Gupta Period Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Showing solved Previous Year Questions for Chapter: Post-Gupta Period
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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 |
The Chinese traveller Yuan Chwang (Hiuen Tsang) who visited India recorded the general conditions and culture of India at that time. In this context, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- The roads and river-routes were completely immune from the robbery.
- As regards punishment for offences, ordeals by fire, water and poison were the instruments for determining the innocence or guilt of a person.
- The tradesmen had to pay duties at ferries and barrier stations.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Detailed Explanation:
❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: Yuan Chwang (Hiuen Tsang) himself was robbed during his travels in India, proving that roads and river-routes were not completely immune from robbery.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Yuan Chwang recorded that four ordeals – by water, fire, weighing, and poison – were used to determine the innocence or guilt of accused persons.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: He noted that tradesmen paid light duties at ferries and barrier stations while bartering their merchandise.
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