Historical Geography of India

Match Medieval Dynasties and Capitals | Badami, Kanchi

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

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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]

Detailed Solution:

The correct answer is A.

During the early medieval period, the political map of India was divided into several regional empires, each centered around a powerful fortified capital.
Historical records verify that the Early Chalukyas ruled from Badami, the Pallavas from Kanchipuram, Emperor Harsha from Kannauj, and the Pandyas from Madurai.
  • Chalukyas (A) and Badami (3) is a definitive pair for the Deccan.

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

  • Pallavas (B) and Kanchipuram (4) represent the Coromandel power, while Pandyas (D) and Madurai (1) represent the southernmost power.
  • Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

    "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.

    Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

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

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