MPPCS (Pre) 2008

Historical Geography of Central India

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Match list-I with list-II and select the correct answer: | List-I | List-II | | :--- | :--- | | A. Bhoj | 1. Ujjain | | B. Durgawati | 2. Vidisha | | C. Samudragupta | 3. Dhar | | D. Ashoka | 4. Gondwana |

Solution & Analysis

Answer: D

Concept Identifying the geographic centers of power for different dynasties across different eras is crucial for understanding the political history of Central India.

Explanation
Bhoj (Paramara Dynasty): Ruled Malwa from his capital at Dhar. He was a renowned polymath and builder.
Durgawati (Gond Dynasty): Ruled the Gondwana region from Garha-Mandla; she is famous for resisting Akbar's expansion.
Samudragupta (Gupta Dynasty): Linked to Vidisha, which served as a critical administrative center for the Western Malwa branch of the Guptas.
Ashoka (Mauryan Dynasty): Served as the viceroy of Ujjain (Avanti) before ascending the throne in Pataliputra.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: A matches 3. King Bhoj of the Paramaras established Dhar as a hub of learning and architecture.
Logic 2: B matches 4. Rani Durgawati was the valiant ruler of the Gond kingdom of Gondwana.
Logic 3: C matches 2. Vidisha (Besnagar) was a key Gupta stronghold in Central India.
Logic 4: D matches 1. Ashoka’s early career as a governor in Ujjain is well-documented in Buddhist chronicles.

Active Recall

Question

Which king among these is known as a polymath and author of 'Samarangana Sutradhara'?

Answer

King Bhoj of the Paramara dynasty was a scholar-king credited with works on architecture, grammar, and philosophy.

Core Insight

The recurring importance of cities like Ujjain and Vidisha across Mauryan and Gupta periods highlights their strategic role on ancient trade routes (Dakshinapatha).