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Political Centers of Post-Gupta India

Kannauj: The Capital of the Maukhari Dynasty

The capital of the Maukhari dynasty was Kannauj. Located in the fertile Ganga-Yamuna plain, it became a major political and economic hub during the post-Gupta period.

Primary Reference: NCERT Class XII - Themes in Indian History Part 1

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The Capital of Maukharri was

[Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2011]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept


Following the decline of the Guptas, regional powers like the Maukharis rose to prominence, shifting the political epicenter to strategic cities in the Ganga-Yamuna doab.

Authentic Source Evidence


The Maukhari dynasty established their capital at Kannauj (Kanyakubja). This city served as their power center for over six generations before it was eventually merged into Harshavardhana’s empire.

Analytical Breakdown


  • Logic 1: Kannauj’s location was ideal for controlling the trade and agriculture of the North Indian plains.

  • Logic 2: Historical sources like the Harshacharita and Maukhari inscriptions confirm Kannauj as their administrative seat.

  • Logic 3: Thanesar (Option A) was the capital of the Pushyabhutis, and Purushpur (Option C) was the capital of the Kushans.

    • Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

    "Which ruler unified the Maukhari and Pushyabhuti territories?"

    Harshavardhana unified the two regions after the death of the Maukhari king Grahavarman.

    Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

    "The rise of Kannauj under the Maukharis marked the city's transition into the 'Mahodaya' of North India, a status it held for several centuries."

    Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

    Kannauj 7Pushyabhuti Dynasty 3
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