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?
Explanation
Arranging the historical rulers and dynasties in chronological sequence from earliest to latest:
– 2. Establishment of Pallava power under Mahendravarman I: Reigned from circa 600 to 630 CE, initiating rock-cut architecture at Mamallapuram.
– 4. Pala dynasty founded by Gopala: Founded the Pala dynasty in Bengal following a period of political anarchy (matsyanyaya) in circa 750 CE.
– 1. Rise of Pratiharas under King Bhoja (Mihira Bhoja): Ruled the Gurjara-Pratihara empire at its zenith from circa 836 to 885 CE.
– 3. Establishment of Chola power by Parantaka I: Reigned from circa 907 to 955 CE, consolidating imperial Chola sovereignty across Tamil country by conquering Madurai.
Thus, the correct chronological order is 2 -> 4 -> 1 -> 3 — Option C.