24

Question 24

Consider the following events in the history of India:
1. Rise of Pratiharas under King Bhoja
2. Establishment of Pallava power under Mahendravarman - I
3. Establishment of Chola power by Parantaka - I
4. Pala dynasty founded by Gopala
What is the correct chronological order of the above events, starting from the earliest time?

AOptions

A
A) 2-1-4-3
B
B) 3-1-4-2
C
C) 2-4-1-3
D
D) 3-4-1-2

BSolution

Let's establish the approximate chronological order of these historical events in India:

1. Establishment of Pallava power under Mahendravarman - I: Mahendravarman I was a prominent Pallava king who ruled from approximately 600 CE to 630 CE. His reign marks a significant period for the consolidation and expansion of Pallava power in South India. (Event 2)

2. Pala dynasty founded by Gopala: The Pala dynasty was founded by Gopala around 750 CE - 770 CE in Bengal and Bihar. He established a stable rule after a period of anarchy in the region. (Event 4)

3. Rise of Pratiharas under King Bhoja: King Bhoja (also known as Mihir Bhoja) was one of the most powerful rulers of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty. He ruled from approximately 836 CE to 885 CE, expanding the Pratihara empire significantly, particularly in northern India. (Event 1)

4. Establishment of Chola power by Parantaka - I: The Imperial Chola dynasty saw its resurgence under Vijayalaya (mid-9th century), but it was significantly consolidated and expanded by Parantaka I, who ruled from approximately 907 CE to 955 CE. He laid the foundation for the later glory of the Chola empire. (Event 3)

Arranging these events in chronological order from earliest to latest:

  • Pallava power under Mahendravarman - I (c. 600-630 CE) - 2
  • Pala dynasty founded by Gopala (c. 750-770 CE) - 4
  • Rise of Pratiharas under King Bhoja (c. 836-885 CE) - 1
  • Establishment of Chola power by Parantaka - I (c. 907-955 CE) - 3

Therefore, the correct chronological order is 2-4-1-3.

Diagram for Q24

CStrategy

For chronological ordering questions in history, create a mental or rough timeline for each event. Knowing the approximate centuries or specific reigns of key rulers and dynasties is essential. Look for distinct regional powers and their periods to place them correctly in the broader Indian history timeline.

DSyllabus Analysis

This question falls under the Ancient and Medieval Indian History sections, specifically focusing on major dynasties and their prominent rulers in different regions of India.

EQuestion Analysis

Medium. While all these dynasties are important, placing them in correct chronological order requires knowing the approximate timeframes of their peak or foundational periods, which can be challenging.