2020 GS Paper I, all questions
UPSC Prelims 2020 · GS Paper I
Question 24: History and Culture
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 by Parantaka – I
- 4.Pala dynasty founded by Gopala
What is the correct chronological order of the above events, starting from the earliest time ?
a2 – 1 – 4 – 3
b3 – 1 – 4 – 2
c2 – 4 – 1 – 3
d3 – 4 – 1 – 2
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).
Order by date: Mahendravarman I of the Pallavas (early 7th century CE), Gopala who founded the Pala dynasty (about the middle of the 8th century), Bhoja of the Pratiharas (9th century) and Parantaka I of the Cholas (early 10th century). So the sequence is 2, 4, 1, 3.
- 1. Bhoja and the Pratiharas: 9th century CE, third in order.
- 2. Mahendravarman I: early 7th century CE, earliest.
- 3. Parantaka I of the Cholas: early 10th century CE, last.
- 4. Gopala founded the Palas around the mid-8th century CE, second.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong: puts Bhoja before Gopala; Gopala is earlier.
- (b) Wrong: Parantaka I of the Cholas is the latest, not the earliest.
- (c) Right: Mahendravarman I, Gopala, Bhoja, Parantaka I.
- (d) Wrong: Parantaka I cannot come first, and Mahendravarman I is the earliest, not last.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2020, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.