Political Fragmentation of North India
Kingdoms in North India: Post-Gupta to Harsha
The kingdoms holding power between the decline of the Guptas and the rise of Harshavardhana were the Guptas of Magadha, the Pushyabhutis of Thanesar, the Maukharis of Kanauj, and the Maitrakas of Valabhi. The Paramaras and Yadavas emerged in much later centuries.
Primary Reference: NCERT Class XII - Themes in Indian History Part 1
Archived:
Updated:
Exam Year
2021
Evidence Source
Link ↗From the decline of Guptas until the rise of Harshavardhana in the early seventh century, which of the following kingdoms were holding power in Northern India? 1. The Guptas of Magadha 2. The Paramaras of Malwa 3. The Pushyabhutis of Thanesar 4. The Maukharis of Kanauj 5. The Yadavas of Devagiri 6. The Maitrakas of Valabhi Select the correct answer using the code given below:
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Detailed Solution & Historical Context
Concept
The period between the 6th and 7th centuries saw political fragmentation in North India as the central Gupta authority dissolved into several regional powers.
Authentic Source Evidence
Historical texts identify the 'Later Guptas' of Magadha, the Pushyabhutis of Thanesar, the Maukharis of Kanauj, and the Maitrakas of Valabhi as the dominant powers during this transition.
Analytical Breakdown
Guptas of Magadha (1): A later branch that continued to rule after the main Imperial line.
Pushyabhutis (3): Founded in Thanesar, later led by Harshavardhana.
Maukharis (4): Ruled from Kanauj; were rivals and allies of the Pushyabhutis.
Maitrakas (6): Based in Valabhi (Gujarat), they were former Gupta feudatories.
Paramaras (2): Ruled Malwa much later (9th–14th centuries).
Yadavas (5): Ruled in the Deccan/Devagiri between the 12th and 14th centuries.
Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic
"Which city replaced Pataliputra as the political hub during this era?"
Kanauj emerged as the new political center of North India, largely due to the Maukhari and later Pushyabhuti rule.
Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip
"The rise of these regional kingdoms signifies the shift from a centralized empire to a decentralized feudal structure in medieval India."
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