Chhattisgarh PCS (Pre) 2021

Dynasties of the Deccan

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Which of the following statements is/are true? 1. After weakening of power of Satavahana dynasty, Vakataka dynasty established its kingdom. 2. First king of Vakataka dynasty was Pravar Sen I. 3. Vindhya Shakti was son of Pravar Sen. Choose the correct option:

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept The Vakatakas were a powerful dynasty that rose in the Deccan to fill the political void left by the Satavahanas, serving as significant contemporaries to the Guptas.

Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: The Vakatakas succeeded the Satavahanas in the Deccan region around the 3rd century CE.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The founder and first king was Vindhyashakti (c. 250–270 CE).
Statement 3 is incorrect: Pravarasena I was actually the son of Vindhyashakti, not vice-versa. Pravarasena I was the one who adopted the title 'Samrat'.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: The dynasty lasted roughly from 250 to 500 CE and was instrumental in the cultural development of Central India (e.g., Ajanta caves).
Logic 2: Vindhyashakti is described as a 'Dvija' in Ajanta inscriptions and is credited with reviving Brahmanical rituals.
Logic 3: Pravarasena I expanded the kingdom and performed several Vedic sacrifices, including the Ashvamedha.

Active Recall

Question

Which Vakataka ruler was a contemporary and ally of Chandragupta II?

Answer

Prithvisena I and his successor Rudrasena II maintained strong political and matrimonial ties with Chandragupta II.

Core Insight

The Vakataka dynasty acted as a crucial geographic and cultural bridge between the North (Guptas) and the deep South during the classical period.