Question

The _________ and __________ were the new dynasties which took place of the Pallavas and the Chalukyas.
A. Guptas, Mauryas
B. Kushans, Mauryas
C. Cholas, Rashtrakutas
D. Senas, Guptas

Answer 1

Hint:
>The Pallavas and the Chalukyas dynasty both ruled in the southern part of India.
> Their capitals were in Kanchipuram and Badami respectively.
> Ellora Caves and Rajarajeshwaram and Brihadeshwar are the constructions made by them.

Complete answer:
Option A, the Gupta Empire was established from 320 to 550 CE in the capital city Patliputra which is now Patna in Bihar. This dynasty was founded by Sri Gupta and some of the prominent rulers were Chandragupta I, Samudragupta etc. The Maurya Empire was established from 322 to 184 BCE which was also located in Patliputra founded by Chandragupta Maurya. Thus, it is not the correct answer as these dynasties are located in the northern part.

Option B, the Kushan dynasty was established in the 1st century by Kujula Kadphises who belonged to the Yuezhi tribe in the region of China. The capital of the kingdom was Peshawar which was also spread in another region, i.e. Afghanistan, Punjab, Kashmir, Varanasi, Malwa etc. So, it is not the correct answer.

Option C, the Pallava dynasty was situated in the southern part of India in Kanchipuram during 2nd and 9th century AD. The prominent rulers of the kingdom were Mahendravarman I and Narasimhavarman I who ruled about 600 years. The main rivals of them were Cholas, Kadambas and Kalabhras and Chalukyas but finally, they were defeated by a Chola ruler – Aditya I in the 9th century who succeeded the kingdom.

The Chalukya dynasty was established in the southern and central part of India in Badami during 6th and 12th century which was considered to be the Golden Age in Karnataka. The major rulers were Jayasimha, Pulakeshin I, Vikramaditya I, Kirtivarman II etc. In the end, the Chalukya king Kirtivarman II was defeated by Rashtrakuta ruler – King Dantidurga who succeeded the throne. So, it is the most appropriate answer.

Option D, Sena Dynasty was a well-known Hindu dynasty which ruled from Bengal in the 11th and 12th century and originated from the south India region of Karnataka. The capital of the empire was Gauda, Birampur, Nabadwip, Lakhnauti and Vijaynagar. It was founded by Samanta Sena in the year 1070 AD. So, it is not the appropriate answer.
Gupta Empire has already been explained in Option A.

Therefore, the correct answer is C

Note:
> The information regarding Samudragupta is known from the inscriptions on the Ashokan Pillar in Allahabad.
> It was written by the poet Harisena written in the Sanskrit language during 300 AD.
> The inscriptions which tell us about the lives of kings and their praises is known as Prashastis written in the Sanskrit language.