Previous Year Question

Consider the following events in the history of India:

Rise of Pratiharas under King Bhoja
Establishment of Pallava power under Mahendravarman-I
Establishment of Chola power by Parantaka-I
Pala dynasty founded by Gopala

What is the correct chronological order of the above events, starting from the earliest time?

2 – 1 – 4 – 3

3 – 1 – 4 – 2

2 – 4 – 1 – 3

3 – 4 – 1 – 2

Correct Answer: C

Detailed Solution

First comes Mahendravarman I. He was a major Pallava ruler whose reign is placed approximately around 590/600–630 CE. Pallava power became a major force in South India during his reign. Therefore, event 2 comes first.

Next comes Gopala. Following a period of political disorder in Bengal, Gopala was elected king and founded the Pala dynasty. His reign is placed approximately around 750–770 CE. Therefore, event 4 comes second.

Next comes the Pratihara ruler Bhoja, or Mihira Bhoja. He ruled in the ninth century, with different academic chronologies placing his reign approximately between 836/840 and 885/890 CE. Gurjara-Pratihara power rose towards its height under him. Therefore, event 1 comes after Gopala.

Finally comes Parantaka I. His reign is placed approximately around 907–953 CE. Through campaigns against the Pandyas, he considerably expanded and consolidated Chola power. Therefore, event 3 comes last.

Thus, the chronology is:

Mahendravarman I → Gopala → Mihira Bhoja → Parantaka I
2 → 4 → 1 → 3

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