Consider the following dynasties : 1. Hoysala 2. Gahadavala 3. Kakatiya 4. Yadava How many of the above dynasties established their kingdoms in early eighth century AD?
- (a) Only one
- (b) Only two
- (c) Only three
- (d) None ✓ UPSC's answer
Why the answer is (d)
• All four dynasties belong to the early medieval period after the 10th century, not the early 8th century.
• The Hoysalas of Dwarasamudra rose in the 11th century and became independent of the Chalukyas under Vishnuvardhana (c. 1110); the Gahadavalas of Kanauj were founded by Chandradeva around 1090.
• The Kakatiyas of Warangal became independent of the Chalukyas under Prola II and Rudradeva in the mid-12th century; the Yadavas (Seunas) of Devagiri gained independence under Bhillama V around 1187.
• In the early 8th century the major powers were the Chalukyas of Badami, the Pallavas and the emerging Rashtrakutas and Pratiharas.
• Hence none, option (d).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) Only one
- None of the four arose in the early 8th century.
- (b) Only two
- All four are 11th-12th century dynasties.
- (c) Only three
- None of the dynasties dates to the early 8th century.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2023, held on 28 May 2023. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.