67th BPSC (Pre) (Re-Exam) 2022

Post-Gupta Dynasties

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Who laid the foundation of Vardhana dynasty?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: D

Concept The Vardhana (or Pushyabhuti) dynasty emerged from the fragmentation of the Gupta empire, initially as feudatories who eventually established independent sovereignty.

Explanation While the dynasty is named after a legendary figure Pushyabhuti, the actual historical foundation and rise to major power were laid by Prabhakarvardhana. He was the first to adopt imperial titles like *Maharajadhiraja*.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Prabhakarvardhana was a powerful king who famously defeated the Hunas and performed the Ashvamedha sacrifice.
Logic 2: He was the father of Harshavardhana, who later took the dynasty to its zenith.
Logic 3: Rajyavardhana (B) was the elder son who succeeded him briefly, and Adityavardhana (C) was an earlier ancestor with lesser significance.

Active Recall

Question

What was the capital of the Vardhana dynasty?

Answer

The initial capital was Thaneshwar (modern Haryana) before Harsha shifted it to Kannauj.

Core Insight

Prabhakarvardhana's reign marked the transition of the family from local chiefs to imperial contenders in the volatile North Indian landscape.