UPSC CSE Pre 2020

Early Medieval Indian Chronology

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Consider the following events in the history of India: 1. Rise of Pratiharas under King Bhoja 2. Establishment of Pallava power under Mahendravarman-I 3. Establishment of Chola power by Parantaka-I 4. Pala dynasty founded by Gopala What is the correct chronological order of the above events, starting from the earliest time?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept Understanding the sequential rise of dynasties is essential for mapping the transition from the ancient to the early medieval period in India.

Explanation The timeline is verified as follows: 1. Pallava Power (Mahendravarman-I): ~600-630 CE. 2. Pala Dynasty (Gopala): ~750-770 CE. 3. Rise of Pratiharas (Mihir Bhoja): ~836-885 CE. 4. Chola Power (Parantaka-I): ~907-955 CE.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: The Pallavas were the earliest among these, flourishing in the 7th century.
Logic 2: The Pala dynasty in Bengal and the Pratiharas in the North were part of the Tripartite Struggle of the 8th-9th centuries.
Logic 3: The Imperial Chola power (specifically Parantaka-I) consolidated in the early 10th century, making it the latest event in this list.

Active Recall

Question

Which event marked the beginning of the Imperial Chola era?

Answer

The reign of Vijayalaya initiated the Chola revival, but consolidation was significantly advanced by Parantaka-I in the 10th century.

Core Insight

The timeline shows a clear progression from Southern dominance (Pallavas) to Eastern/Northern struggles (Palas/Pratiharas) and back to Southern maritime supremacy (Cholas).