Historical Geography of India

Previous Year Questions Analysis

Archived:

Updated:

Match list-I with list-II and select the correct answer:
List-IList-II
A. Chalukyas1. Madurai
B. Pallava2. Kannauj
C. Harsha3. Badami
D. Pandya4. Kanchipuram

[U.P.P.C.S. Special Prelims 2004]

⚡ Generate AI Quick Summary

Correct Option: A

The correct matches are: Chalukyas - Badami, Pallava - Kanchipuram, Harsha - Kannauj, and Pandya - Madurai.

A. A-3, B-4, C-2, D-1
B. A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1
C. A-1, B-4, C-2, D-3
D. A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4

Analysis & Evidence

Concept


During the early medieval period, the political map of India was divided into several regional empires, each centered around a powerful fortified capital.

Authentic Source Evidence

Historical records verify that the Early Chalukyas ruled from Badami, the Pallavas from Kanchipuram, Emperor Harsha from Kannauj, and the Pandyas from Madurai.

Analytical Breakdown


  • Logic 1: Chalukyas (A) and Badami (3) is a definitive pair for the Deccan.

  • Logic 2: Harsha (C) shifted his capital from Thanesar to Kannauj (2), making it the center of North Indian politics.

  • Logic 3: Pallavas (B) and Kanchipuram (4) represent the Coromandel power, while Pandyas (D) and Madurai (1) represent the southernmost power.
  • Historical Logic Quest

    "Which city became the prize of the Tripartite struggle after Harsha's death?"

    Kannauj, due to its status as the imperial capital and its strategic location in the Doab.

    The Topper's Edge

    "The rise of these capitals reflects the shift from a unified empire to regional powers that defined the Middle Ages in India."

    Analysing the UPSC previous year question paper is non-negotiable for serious aspirants. Thoroughly solving and analyzing these questions helps you decode the examiner's mindset, identify recurring historical themes, and build the analytical intuition needed to clear the exam. Practise UPSC PYQ here with interactive question sets to learn and sharpen your edge!

    UPSC Question Bank | Verified
    Live Archive Status