Early Medieval Dynasties Chronology | UPSC 2023 History

Concept

This question tests the chronological awareness of major regional powers in the Deccan and Northern India during the Early Medieval period. Most of these dynasties rose to power as the authority of larger empires like the Western Chalukyas or the Pratiharas waned.

Authentic Source Evidence

According to standard historical texts like Satish Chandra’s Medieval India and NCERT, the Hoysalas (10th-14th c.), Gahadavalas (11th-13th c.), Kakatiyas (12th-14th c.), and Yadavas (12th-14th c.) all established their independence significantly later than the 8th century.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: The 8th century was dominated by the Tripartite struggle between the Palas, Pratiharas, and Rashtrakutas. The dynasties listed were either non-existent or mere feudatories at that time.

Logic 2: The Hoysalas gained prominence in the 10th century; the Gahadavalas ruled the Kanauj region from the 11th century; the Kakatiyas and Yadavas emerged from the fragments of the Chalukyan empire in the 12th century.