U.P.P.C.S (Pre) 2020

Ancient Regional Dynasties

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

The rulers of which of the following dynasty have been called as 'Shriparvatiya' in Puranas?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept Puranic literature often uses localized or descriptive titles to refer to regional dynasties, which historians cross-reference with archaeological findings.

Explanation The Ikshvaku dynasty (Andhra Ikshvakus) ruled the Krishna valley from their capital Vijayapuri. The *Matsya Purana
specifically refers to them as 'Shriparvatiya' (meaning 'of the Shriparvata mountain').

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: The Ikshvakus reigned in the 3rd and 4th centuries CE at modern Nagarjunakonda.
Logic 2: Although the kings were Vedic Shaivites, their reign saw a massive boom in Buddhist architecture.
Logic 3: Archaeological records of rulers like Ehuvala Chamtamula confirm the lineage described in the Puranic texts.

Active Recall

Question

Where was the capital of the Ikshvaku dynasty located?

Answer

Their capital was Vijayapuri, located at modern-day Nagarjunakonda in the Krishna River valley.

Core Insight

The term 'Shriparvatiya' reflects the geographic anchoring of the Ikshvaku dynasty to the sacred hill of Nagarjunakonda.