Consider the following events in the history of India:

1. Rise of Pratiharas under king Bhoja.
2. Establishment of Pallava power under Mahendravarman-I.
3. Establishment of Chola power under Parantaka-I.
4. Pala dynasty was founded by Gopala.

What is the correct chronological order of the above events, starting from the earliest time?

1. 2-1-4-3
2. 3-1-4-2
3. 2-4-1-3
4. 3-4-1-2

Explanation

Option (c) is correct

• Mahendravarman I (590-630 CE): Mahendravarman I ruled during a period when the Pallava dynasty emerged as a major political power. He assumed several titles such as Mattavilasa (addicted to pleasures), Chitrakarapuli (tiger among painters), Lalitankura (charming offspring), Gunabhara (virtuous), Chattakari (temple builder), and Vichitrachitta (curious-minded), reflecting his diverse talents and personality. His reign marked the beginning of the long-standing conflicts between the Pallavas and the Chalukyas. Pulakesin II of Vatapi, who had earlier defeated Harshavardhana of the Pushyabhuti dynasty, later defeated Mahendravarman I near Kanchi and advanced towards the Pallava capital. To protect his capital, Mahendravarman I agreed to a peace treaty and ceded the northern territories of his kingdom to Pulakesin II. Mahendravarman I was also a patron of art and architecture. He authored the Sanskrit play Mattavilasa Prahasana and initiated the construction of the famous cave temples at Mahabalipuram. Initially a follower of Jainism, he later embraced Shaivism under the influence of Appar.
• Gopala (around c.750 CE): According to the Khalimpur Copper Plate Inscription of Dharmapala, Gopala founded the Pala dynasty after being elected king by prominent people of the realm to end matsya-nyaya, a period marked by political disorder and anarchy. After ascending the throne, Gopala displaced the Later Guptas of Magadha and the Khadga dynasty of eastern Bengal. A devout Buddhist, Gopala is also credited by the Buddhist scholar Taranatha with building the famous monastery at Odantapuri.
• Bhoja I / Mihir Bhoja (c.836−885 CE): Mihira Bhoja was the most successful and popular ruler of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty. Though he initially faced defeats at the hands of the Pala dynasty, Rashtrakuta dynasty, and the Kalachuri dynasty, he later recovered and, with the help of feudatories such as the Chedis and Guhilas, achieved significant victories. His capital was Kannauj, also known as Mahodaya, and the Barah Copper Plate Inscription mentions a military camp (skandhavara) there. He is identified with Juzr in the accounts of the 9th-century Arab merchant Sulaiman, who praised his military strength and wealth, while Al-Masudi referred to him as King Baura. Arab travellers also noted that the Pratihara rulers possessed the best cavalry in India. His expansion, however, was checked by Sankarvarman, Krishna II, and Devapala. A devotee of Vishnu, he adopted the title Adivaraha, and his supremacy was acknowledged by the Kalachuris, Chandelas, and the Arabs of Sindh.
• Parantaka I (c. 907−953 CE): Parantaka I was one of the most important rulers of the Chola dynasty. With the support of allies such as the Western Ganga dynasty, the Kodumbalur chiefs, and the ruler of Kerala, he achieved several military successes. He captured Madurai and assumed the titles Madurantaka (destroyer of Madurai) and Madurai-konda (capturer of Madurai). At the battle of Vellur, he defeated the combined forces of the Pandyas and the king of Sri Lanka, bringing the Pandya territories under Chola control. However, around 949 CE, he was defeated by Krishna III of the Rashtrakuta dynasty at the battle of Takkolam. Following this victory, Krishna III assumed the title Conqueror of Kanchi and Tanjai, and the Rashtrakuta forces occupied Tondaimandalam.

Answer: (c) 2-4-1-3; Difficulty Level: Hard