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:
Explanation
Following the disintegration of the imperial Gupta Empire in the 6th century CE and prior to Harsha’s hegemony in the early 7th century, Northern India fragmented into regional successor polities:
– 1. Later Guptas of Magadha (Correct): Reasserted independent authority over parts of Magadha and Malwa, engaging in constant conflict with the Maukharis.
– 3. Pushyabhutis of Thanesar (Correct): Rose to prominence under Prabhakaravardhana in eastern Punjab/Haryana, from which Harshavardhana eventually hailed.
– 4. Maukharis of Kanauj (Correct): Established an independent realm spanning western Uttar Pradesh, shifting the north Indian political axis toward Kanauj.
– 6. Maitrakas of Valabhi (Correct): Former Gupta military governors (*senapati*) who founded an autonomous ruling dynasty across Saurashtra/Gujarat.
– 2. Paramaras of Malwa (Incorrect): A medieval Rajput clan whose rule emerged much later, flourishing between the 9th and 14th centuries CE.
– 5. Yadavas of Devagiri (Incorrect): A medieval Deccan dynasty that held sway in western India between the 12th and 14th centuries CE.
Therefore, kingdoms 1, 3, 4, and 6 held power during this transition — Option B.