Consider the following statements regarding political rivalries in early medieval India:
Statement I: The Rashtrakutas launched several campaigns to gain control over the region of Kanauj.
Statement II: The Pratiharas were primarily based in eastern India, while the Palas were established in the western and central regions.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is option 1 i.e. Only Statement I is correct.
Statement I is correct because the Rashtrakutas, based in the Deccan, frequently invaded northern India to capture Kanauj, the symbolic seat of imperial power. This led to the famous Tripartite Struggle. Statement II is incorrect because the geographical locations are swapped: the Gurjara-Pratiharas were based in western India (Rajasthan and Gujarat) and central India, while the Palas were established in eastern India (Bengal and Bihar). These three dynasties fought for over two centuries to dominate the fertile Gangetic plains.