2003 General Studies, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2003 · General Studies

Question 93: History and Culture

Emperor Harsha’s southward march was stopped on the Narmada River by

aPulakesin-I
bPulakesin-II
cVikramaditya-I
dVikramaditya-II

AnswerThe answer is (b).

Harsha, the king of Kannauj, tried to march south and was stopped on the Narmada by the Chalukya king Pulakesin II of Badami, around 618-619 CE; this is described in Ravikirti's Aihole inscription. Pulakesin I founded Badami and was Pulakesin II's grandfather. Remember Pulakesin II as the Chalukya ruler who stopped Harsha.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Pulakesin I was Pulakesin II's grandfather, not Harsha's opponent.
  • (b) Correct: Pulakesin II.
  • (c) Vikramaditya I was Pulakesin II's son and ruled later.
  • (d) Vikramaditya II ruled much later, in the eighth century.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2003, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.