U.P.P.C.S. Special Prelims 2004

Historical Geography of India

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Match list-I with list-II and select the correct answer: | List-I | List-II | | :--- | :--- | | A. Chalukyas | 1. Madurai | | B. Pallava | 2. Kannauj | | C. Harsha | 3. Badami | | D. Pandya | 4. Kanchipuram |

Solution & Analysis

Answer: A

Concept During the early medieval period, the political map of India was divided into several regional empires, each centered around a powerful fortified capital.

Explanation Historical records verify that the Early Chalukyas ruled from Badami, the Pallavas from Kanchipuram, Emperor Harsha from Kannauj, and the Pandyas from Madurai.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Chalukyas (A) and Badami (3) is a definitive pair for the Deccan.
Logic 2: Harsha (C) shifted his capital from Thanesar to Kannauj (2), making it the center of North Indian politics.
Logic 3: Pallavas (B) and Kanchipuram (4) represent the Coromandel power, while Pandyas (D) and Madurai (1) represent the southernmost power.

Active Recall

Question

Which city became the prize of the Tripartite struggle after Harsha's death?

Answer

Kannauj, due to its status as the imperial capital and its strategic location in the Doab.

Core Insight

The rise of these capitals reflects the shift from a unified empire to regional powers that defined the Middle Ages in India.