Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2011

Political Centers of Post-Gupta India

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

The Capital of Maukharri was

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept Following the decline of the Guptas, regional powers like the Maukharis rose to prominence, shifting the political epicenter to strategic cities in the Ganga-Yamuna doab.

Explanation The Maukhari dynasty established their capital at Kannauj (Kanyakubja). This city served as their power center for over six generations before it was eventually merged into Harshavardhana’s empire.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Kannauj’s location was ideal for controlling the trade and agriculture of the North Indian plains.
Logic 2: Historical sources like the *Harshacharita* and Maukhari inscriptions confirm Kannauj as their administrative seat.
Logic 3: Thanesar (Option A) was the capital of the Pushyabhutis, and Purushpur (Option C) was the capital of the Kushans.

Active Recall

Question

Which ruler unified the Maukhari and Pushyabhuti territories?

Answer

Harshavardhana unified the two regions after the death of the Maukhari king Grahavarman.

Core Insight

The rise of Kannauj under the Maukharis marked the city's transition into the 'Mahodaya' of North India, a status it held for several centuries.