Post-Gupta Period UPSC PYQ — Harsha, Chalukyas & Pallavas

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Manigrama was a prominent merchant guild in South India, active between the 11th and 13th centuries, playing a major role in maritime trade under the Chola Empire.

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Gupta is linked to Deogarh (Dashavatara Temple). Chandella corresponds to Khajuraho. Chalukya corresponds to Badami. Pallava corresponds to Panamalai.

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Mattamayura was a Saiva sect that flourished in Central India and later in parts of the Deccan. It blended ritual practice with spiritual discipline and had royal patronage.

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The Aihole inscription was composed by Ravikirti, the court poet of Pulakesin II. Dated to 634 CE, it mentions renowned poets like Kalidasa and Bharavi, highlighting their literary excellence.

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Uttaramerur is famous for Chola-era inscriptions detailing village administration. Two major inscriptions from the reign of Parantaka I describe the functioning of the sabha (assembly of Brahmin villages).

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The Pallava king Mahendravarman I, a patron of art and literature and author of the satirical play Mattavilasa Prahasana, assumed these titles reflecting his artistic and eccentric temperament.

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The Chola king Rajendra I launched a famous naval expedition against Srivijaya in the 11th century CE, showcasing the Chola's maritime power in Southeast Asia.

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After the Gupta decline, regional powers such as the later Guptas of Magadha, the Pushyabhutis of Thanesar, the Maukharis of Kanauj, and the Gurjara-Pratiharas held sway in North India before Harshavardhana's unification. The Paramaras and Yadavas belong to a much later period.

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Dantidurga founded the Rashtrakuta dynasty in the mid-8th century CE by overthrowing the Chalukyas of Badami.

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The Ikshvakus of the Krishna-Guntur region were, in fact, notable patrons of Buddhism, contrary to the first statement. The Palas of Bengal and Bihar were genuine and prominent patrons of Buddhism, including monastic centres like Nalanda and Vikramashila.

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The Chalukya king Pulakesin II decisively checked Harshavardhana's southward expansion at the Narmada river around 618-619 CE, as recorded in the Aihole inscription.

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Harsha did convene the Prayag Assembly, a grand quinquennial gathering, but his religious patronage was eclectic rather than exclusively focused on popularising Mahayana Buddhism.

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Rajaraja I launched a successful naval invasion of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) around 993 CE, annexing part of the island to the Chola kingdom.

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The Vikrama Samvat era begins 135 years before the Saka era. Adding 135 to 465 (some accounts add 136-137 depending on the conversion convention) gives approximately 601 in the Vikrama Samvat calendar.