[Solved] Who initiated the Lakshmana Samvat? | Sena Dynasty

Who among the following is credited with initiating a new Samvat?

[U.P.P.C.S. Pre 1999]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

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.

Authentic Source Evidence

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.

Analytical Breakdown

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.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"Why did medieval kings initiate new eras?"

Kings initiated new eras to assert their sovereignty and provide a standardized chronological framework for their administrative and religious records.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The Lakshmana Samvat provides crucial chronological evidence for dating medieval Bengali and Maithili manuscripts."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Sena Dynasty 4 Pala Dynasty 9 Vikram Samvat 4

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