[Solved] Old Name of Kannauj | Mahodaya History | Concept & Explanation

Mahodaya is an old name of

[U.P.P.C.S. Mains 2012]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

Kannauj became the 'Imperial City' of India after the decline of Pataliputra. Its possession was considered the ultimate symbol of sovereignty in North India.

Authentic Source Evidence

Historical texts from the Gurjara-Pratihara era, particularly during the reign of Mihira Bhoja, refer to the city of Kannauj as Mahodaya or Kanyakubja.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Kannauj replaced Patna (Patna) as the geopolitical center of gravity during the reign of Harshavardhana.

Logic 2: It remained the prize for which the Palas, Pratiharas, and Rashtrakutas fought for over two centuries (the Tripartite Struggle).

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"Why was Kannauj so strategically important?"

Located in the heart of the Ganga-Yamuna Doab, it offered control over fertile agricultural lands and the lucrative riverine trade routes.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The name 'Mahodaya' reflects the city's status as a 'place of great prosperity' and the spiritual heart of North Indian kingship."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Tripartite Struggle 6 Harshavardhana 7 Gurjara-Pratihara 2

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