The fall of Prataparudra indicates which change in medieval South Indian history?

Correct answer: Weakening of Kakatiya power and external pressure on Warangal

Direct answer: Option A is correct. The fall of Prataparudra, the last major Kakatiya ruler, signaled the weakening of Kakatiya power and increasing external pressure on Warangal. The reasoning is: the Kakatiyas ruled from Warangal; Prataparudra faced repeated attacks from the Delhi Sultanate; military and political pressure reduced Kakatiya control; the fall of Warangal ended Kakatiya independence and changed the balance of power in the Deccan. Option A correctly identifies both internal weakening of Kakatiya authority and external pressure. Option B is wrong because the Mauryan Empire belonged to ancient Indian history and was not rising at Prataparudra’s fall. Option C is wrong because Chola maritime power had developed earlier and this event does not mark its birth. Option D is wrong because Pala education concerns eastern India and a different historical development. Memory cue: Prataparudra and Warangal point to the decline of the Kakatiyas under outside pressure.