Question

Pulakesin II was the king of Bihar.
A. True
B. False

Answer 1

Hint: He was the most prominent ruler of the Chalukya dynasty of Vatapi. Most of the parts of the Deccan region were captured by Pulakeshin II during his rule.

Complete answer: The most popular ruler of the Chalukya dynasty of Vatapi, modern-day Badami in Karnataka, was Pulakesin II. The Chalukya dynasty under his reign expanded and covered most of the parts of the Deccan region.Pulakesin was the son of Chalukya king, Kirttivarman I, he ousted Mangalesha, his uncle, to capture the throne in 610 CE. The rebellion of Appayika and Govinda was suppressed, he defeated the Kadambas of Banavasi in the south. His hegemony and power were recognized by the Alupas and the Gangas of Talakadu. He was so powerful that he conquered the Mauryas of Konkana and consolidated control over the Western coast.
He also defeated the powerful northern ruler Harshavardhana, this victory was the most significant military achievement of Pulakeshin. Xuanzang, a Chinese traveler, in his account stated the failure of Harshavardhana to conquer the Chalukya kingdom.
Pulakeshin, in the east, conquered the rulers of Dakshina Kosala and Kalinga.
The Aihole inscription describes his victory over the Latas, the Malavas, and the Gurjara in the north.
Many kingdoms existed in the plains of Bihar. The Ancient Kingdom of Magadha ruled over Bihar till 320 BCE, the capital of the kingdom was Rajagriha, modern-day Rajgir.
The Magadha Empire ruled over Bihar, made its capital at Patliputra, modern-day Patna, in 475 BCE. After the downfall of the Mauryan Empire, the Guptas ruled over the state.

Therefore Pulakeshin never ruled over Bihar and the correct option is A.

Note: Pulkashin was a Vishnu follower, but he also promoted other faiths as well like Shaivism, Jainism, Buddhism. Ravikirtti, who composed the Aihole inscription, was patronized by Pulkeshin.