Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
From the decline of Guptas until the rise of Harshavardhana in the early seventh century, which of the following kingdoms were holding power in Northern India? 1. The Guptas of Magadha 2. The Paramaras of Malwa 3. The Pushyabhutis of Thanesar 4. The Maukharis of Kanauj 5. The Yadavas of Devagiri 6. The Maitrakas of Valabhi Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Solution & Analysis
Answer: B
Concept
The period between the 6th and 7th centuries saw political fragmentation in North India as the central Gupta authority dissolved into several regional powers.Explanation
Historical texts identify the 'Later Guptas' of Magadha, the Pushyabhutis of Thanesar, the Maukharis of Kanauj, and the Maitrakas of Valabhi as the dominant powers during this transition.Logical Breakup
The Correct Entities:
Guptas of Magadha (1): A later branch that continued to rule after the main Imperial line.
Pushyabhutis (3): Founded in Thanesar, later led by Harshavardhana.
Maukharis (4): Ruled from Kanauj; were rivals and allies of the Pushyabhutis.
Maitrakas (6): Based in Valabhi (Gujarat), they were former Gupta feudatories.
The Incorrect Entities:
Paramaras (2): Ruled Malwa much later (9th–14th centuries).
Yadavas (5): Ruled in the Deccan/Devagiri between the 12th and 14th centuries.