Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution
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Official UPSC Answer KeyUPSC Prelims 2021 • Ancient History
Correct Answer: Option (B) — 1, 3, 4 and 6
Concept & Option Breakdown
Standard Reference VerifiedBetween the decline of the Imperial Guptas (mid-6th century) and the rise of Harsha (early 7th century), Northern India was fragmented among several regional powers:
- The Later Guptas held Magadha (1).
- The Pushyabhutis (Harsha's dynasty) ruled Thanesar (3).
- The Maukharis ruled Kanauj (4).
- The Maitrakas ruled Valabhi in Saurashtra (6). In contrast, the Paramaras of Malwa emerged much later in the 9th–10th century CE, and the Yadavas of Devagiri flourished in the Deccan during the 12th–14th century CE.
Elimination Heuristic & Exam Approach
Harshavardhana belonged to the Pushyabhuti family, so 3 must be included. The Yadavas of Devagiri and Paramaras are well-known medieval dynasties (post-10th century CE), so eliminating statements 2 and 5 directly leads to Option B.
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