Famous Indian Rulers

The Fourth Buddhist Council is associated with Kanishka. Remember him for patronage of Buddhism.

Kumaradevi was the queen of Chandragupta I. The Lichchhavi connection was important for Gupta power.

The Prayag Prashasti was composed by Harisena. It is an important source for Samudragupta's achievements.

The founding of Nalanda is associated with Kumaragupta I. Remember it with the educational tradition of the Gupta period.

Banabhatta was Emperor Harshavardhana’s court poet and prose writer. He wrote the Harshacharita, which describes Harshavardhana’s life and reign, and is also associated with Kadambari. Kalidasa belonged to the Gupta period, so he was not Harshavardhana’s court poet. Exam tip: Remember the link Harshavardhana—Banabhatta—Harshacharita.

Harshavardhana's major centre was Kannauj. Remember him as a seventh-century ruler of North India.

Devapala was a powerful ruler of the Pala dynasty, which ruled a large part of eastern India. The Pala rulers were especially connected with Bengal and Bihar, although their influence extended into other nearby regions at different times. Devapala succeeded important Pala rulers and helped maintain and expand the power of the dynasty. Thus, the correct choice is A, Pala Dynasty.

The Gupta dynasty belonged to an earlier period and is associated with rulers such as Chandragupta II, while the Lodi dynasty ruled Delhi much later. The Kakatiyas were a distinct dynasty mainly associated with the Deccan, especially the Telangana region. These geographical and chronological differences help rule out the other choices. Remembering Devapala with the Pala dynasty and eastern India makes option A the appropriate answer. The supplied answer and explanation are accurate.

Rajaraja Chola I built the Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur. Treat it as a great example of Chola architecture.

Rajendra Chola I was famous for Chola naval expeditions. Remember him with the expansion of the Chola Empire.

The eight poets of Krishnadevaraya's court were called Ashtadiggajas. Link him with the literary tradition of Vijayanagara.

Harihara and Bukka are considered founders of the Vijayanagara Empire. Link it with medieval South Indian history.

Devaraya II was an important ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire. Link him with South Indian power.

Rudrama Devi was a Kakatiya ruler of Warangal. Remember her as a famous woman ruler of South India.

Prataparudra is considered the last major ruler of the Kakatiya Dynasty. Link him with the history of Warangal.

Qutb ud din Aibak started the Slave Dynasty in the Delhi Sultanate. Remember him as the founder of the Sultanate.

Chahalgani was a council of Turkish nobles formed by Iltutmish. Link it with Sultanate administration.

Balban emphasized strict discipline and royal prestige. Remember him as a strong Sultanate ruler.

Firoz Shah Tughlaq is known for building canals and structures. Link him with the Tughlaq Dynasty.

Sher Shah Suri defeated Humayun and established Suri rule. Remember him also for administrative reforms.

Akbar built cooperation and matrimonial relations with many Rajput houses. Link it with his liberal policy.