Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
Who among the following is credited with initiating a new Samvat?
Solution & Analysis
Answer: D
Concept
The initiation of a new 'Samvat' or era was a traditional way for Indian monarchs to commemorate their reign, birth, or significant milestones. The Lakshmana Era was used extensively in Medieval Bengal and Bihar.Explanation
Historical records and manuscripts in Sanskrit and Maithili indicate that Lakshmana Sena (1178–1206 CE) initiated the Lakshmana Samvat. While its precise starting point is debated (often cited around 1119 AD), it is firmly associated with his lineage and reign.Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Option D is correct as Lakshmana Sena is the namesake of the Lakshmana Samvat used in eastern India.
Logic 2: Options A and B (Dharmapala and Devapala) belong to the Pala Dynasty and did not initiate this specific era. Option C (Vijayasena) was the founder of the Sena dynasty but did not start the Lakshmana Samvat.