Question

Who was the founder of the Gurjara Pratihara dynasty?
A)Harichandra
B)Raja bhoj
C)Prithviraj Chauhan
D)Pulakeshin

Answer 1

Hint: 1)It was regarded as the most powerful dynasty in Northern India.
2)They were famous for their sculptures and carved panels.
3)Many famous temples have been constructed by the Gurjara Pratihara.

Complete answer:
Option A – Harichandra is known to be the founder of the Gurjara Pratihara dynasty in the year 6th century AD but it remained unknown for years. The dynasty originated in Ujjain or Mandsaur and later on at Kannauj. They mainly ruled in Northern India from the mid-8th century to 11th century consisting of Arab armies. The capital was Kannauj.

Nagabhata I was considered the first prominent ruler of the dynasty who defeated the Arab commander Junaid and also his successor Tamin in the battle held in Rajasthan and defeated the Arab army. Nagabhata was succeeded by Vastaraja who captured the entire Kannauj and also got victory by defeating the King of Pala, Dharmapala. Then, in the year 805 AD he was defeated by Nagabhata II and during his reign the dynasty became the most powerful dynasty in Northern India. Then he was succeeded by his son Ramabhadra who was again succeeded by his son Mihira Bhoja who was considered as one the important king and ruled till 885 AD. He captured the territories of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan after fighting a series of battles.

Hence, the correct answer is option (A)

Note: 1)The famous Somnath Temple in Gujarat has been rebuilt during the reign of Nagabhata II in the year 815 AD.
2)The famous Teli Mandir in Gwalior was built by Mihira Bhoja.
3)The Gurjara Pratihara dynasty declined in the 10th century and the last king of the empire was Jasapala who died in 1036.