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UPSC CSE Pre 2003

Regional Struggles for Supremacy

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Emperor Harsha's Southward march was stopped on the Narmada River by:

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept The conflict between Harshavardhana of Kanauj and Pulakeshin II of the Chalukyas defined the geopolitical boundary between North India and the Deccan in the 7th century.

Explanation The Aihole Inscription, composed by Ravikirti, explicitly records that Pulakeshin II defeated Harsha on the banks of the Narmada, preventing Harsha's entry into the Deccan.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Pulakeshin II (610–642 CE) was the greatest ruler of the Vatapi Chalukyas.
Logic 2: Harsha (606–647 CE) had unified much of the North but was unable to overcome the strategic defenses of the Chalukyas.
Logic 3: Following this stalemate, Harsha recognized the Narmada as the southern limit of his empire.

Active Recall

Question

Which inscription provides details of this battle?

Answer

The Aihole Inscription, authored by the court poet Ravikirti, provides a detailed account of Pulakeshin II's victory over Harsha.

Core Insight

This battle highlights the rising power of the Deccan kingdoms, which successfully challenged the 'Sakalauttarapathanatha' (Lord of the entire North).

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