Previous Year Question

The question broadly refers to the political situation from the middle of the sixth century until Harsha's accession in 606 CE. After the disintegration of Imperial Gupta authority, several regional dynasties emerged. Academic reconstruction explicitly identifies four major powers in this transitional period: the Guptas of Magadha, Pushyabhutis of Thanesar, Maukharis of Kanauj and Maitrakas of Valabhi.

1. Guptas of Magadha — Correct. They are commonly known as the Later Guptas or Magadha Guptas. They are not considered the same dynasty as the Imperial Guptas despite the shared name. They retained power in the Magadha region after the decline of the Gupta Empire.

2. Paramaras of Malwa — Incorrect. The major political emergence of the Paramaras belongs much later, approximately from the ninth century CE. They therefore do not fit this sixth-to-early-seventh-century transition.

3. Pushyabhutis of Thanesar — Correct. The Pushyabhuti or Vardhana dynasty established itself at Thanesar. Its power increased under Prabhakaravardhana, and Harshavardhana himself succeeded to power in 606 CE from this dynasty.

4. Maukharis of Kanauj — Correct. The Maukharis developed an important kingdom centred on Kanauj in the sixth century and were involved in conflicts with the Later Guptas. Their ruler Grahavarman also married Rajyashri of the Pushyabhuti family, linking the two dynasties politically.

5. Yadavas of Devagiri — Incorrect. The Yadavas of Devagiri were a much later political power, becoming prominent mainly in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. They do not belong to the period asked in the question.

6. Maitrakas of Valabhi — Correct. After the decline of Gupta authority, the Maitrakas ruled western India from their capital at Valabhi. Their rise began in approximately the later fifth century and their rule continued for several centuries.

Thus, the correct group is:

Guptas of Magadha + Pushyabhutis of Thanesar + Maukharis of Kanauj + Maitrakas of Valabhi