UPSC Prelims 2015 Q35: Medieval History – Regional Kingdoms & Frontier States
Consider the following pairs: Medieval Indian State - Present Region
1. Champaka : Central India
2. Durgara : Jammu
3. Kuluta : Malabar
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
- (a) 1 and 2
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 1 and 3
- (d) 3 only
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation
Medieval Indian States and their present regions
| Pair | Verdict | Actual region |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Champaka : Central India | Incorrect | Chamba, Himachal Pradesh |
| 2. Durgara : Jammu | Correct | Jammu region |
| 3. Kuluta : Malabar | Incorrect | Kullu, Himachal Pradesh |
Hill states of the western Himalaya:
| Old name | Present name |
|---|---|
| Champaka | Chamba |
| Durgara | Jammu |
| Kuluta | Kullu |
| Trigarta | Kangra (Jalandhar region) |
| Kira | Baijnath area, Kangra |
The old and new names sound alike, which is the best clue.
Answer: (b) 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Champaka is Chamba in the Himalaya, not Central India.
- (b) CORRECT. Only Durgara - Jammu is correctly matched.
- (c) Incorrect. Neither holds; Kuluta is Kullu, not Malabar.
- (d) Incorrect. Kuluta is in Himachal Pradesh, far from the Malabar coast.
Key point
Champaka = Chamba; Durgara = Jammu; Kuluta = Kullu; Trigarta = Kangra. All are western Himalayan hill states.
Remember
Durgara = Jammu; Champaka = Chamba; Kuluta = Kullu.
Common mistakes
- Linking Champaka to Champa or central India.
- Not hearing Kuluta as Kullu and placing it on the Malabar coast.
- Assuming unfamiliar names are from the south.
Exam tip
Say the old name aloud: Champaka - Chamba, Kuluta - Kullu.
Sources
- Upinder Singh — A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India (Early medieval regional states)
- Kalhana — Rajatarangini (references to the hill states)