UPSC Prelims 2021 Q34: Ancient History – Post - Gupta & Early Medieval Dynasties
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?
1. The Guptas of Magadha
2. The Paramaras of Malwa
3. The Pushyabhutis of Thanesar
4. The Maukharis of Kanauj
5. The Yadavas of Devagiri
6. The Maitrakas of Valabhi
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- (a) 1, 2 and 5
- (b) 1, 3, 4 and 6
- (c) 2, 3 and 4
- (d) 5 and 6
Answer: (b) 1, 3, 4 and 6
Explanation
Kingdoms between the Guptas and Harshavardhana
The Gupta Empire broke up around the middle of the 6th century.
Harshavardhana came to the throne in 606.
The question asks who held power in Northern India in between.
| Kingdom | Held power then? | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. The Guptas of Magadha | Yes | The Later Guptas; a separate line that ruled Magadha after the imperial Guptas |
| 2. The Paramaras of Malwa | No | Rose in the 9th to 10th century; Bhoja ruled in the 11th century |
| 3. The Pushyabhutis of Thanesar | Yes | Harsha's own family; Prabhakaravardhana made it strong |
| 4. The Maukharis of Kanauj | Yes | Ruled Kanauj; Grahavarman married Harsha's sister Rajyashri |
| 5. The Yadavas of Devagiri | No | A Deccan dynasty of the 12th to 13th century |
| 6. The Maitrakas of Valabhi | Yes | Founded by Bhatarka, a Gupta general, in Saurashtra (Gujarat) around the late 5th century |
More on the Maitrakas:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Capital | Valabhi, a great centre of learning and trade |
| Link with Harsha | Dhruvasena II married Harsha's daughter |
| End | Lasted until the 8th century, when Arab raids ended the line |
Answer: (b) 1, 3, 4 and 6.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Paramaras and the Yadavas came centuries after Harsha.
- (b) CORRECT. The Later Guptas, Pushyabhutis, Maukharis and Maitrakas held power in this period.
- (c) Incorrect. The Paramaras of Malwa rose only in the 9th to 10th century.
- (d) Incorrect. The Yadavas of Devagiri belong to the 12th to 13th century Deccan.
Key point
After the Guptas, before Harsha (c. 550 to 606): Later Guptas of Magadha, Pushyabhutis of Thanesar, Maukharis of Kanauj, Maitrakas of Valabhi. Paramaras and Yadavas are much later.
Remember
Post-Gupta four: Later Guptas, Pushyabhutis, Maukharis, Maitrakas.
Common mistakes
- Taking 'Guptas of Magadha' as the imperial Guptas; they are the Later Guptas.
- Placing the Paramaras early because Malwa appears in Gupta history.
- Forgetting the Maitrakas of Valabhi, who began as Gupta feudatories in Gujarat.
Exam tip
Remove the two late dynasties first. Paramaras and Yadavas are medieval, so options (a), (c) and (d) all fall.
Sources
- Upinder Singh — A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India, Ch 10 (Emerging Regional Configurations)
- R.S. Sharma — India's Ancient Past, Ch on Harsha and His Times