Q. Consider the following events in the history of India :

  1. Rise of Pratiharas under King Bhoja
  2. Establishment of Pallava power under Mahendravarman – I
  3. Establishment of Chola power by Parantaka – I
  4. The Pala dynasty was founded by Gopala

What is the correct chronological order of the above events, starting from the earliest time?

(a) 2-1-4-3
(b) 3-1-4-2
(c) 2-4-1-3
(d) 3-4-1-2

Answer: (c) 2-4-1-3

Notes:
  • The Pallavas became a major power in South India during the reign of Mahendravarman I (571–630 CE). 
  • Gopala founded the Pala dynasty in the mid-8th century (750-770 CE).
    • The Pala dynasty ruled in Bihar and Bengal from the 8th to 12th centuries.
    • Gopala was a local chieftain who rose to power during a period of anarchy.
  • The Pratiharas, also known as the Gurjara-Pratiharas, rose to prominence in the 8th and 9th centuries, with King Bhoja (ruled 836-885 CE) being a significant ruler. 
  • The Chola dynasty, under Parantaka I (reigned 907–953), laid the foundation for a powerful kingdom in South India.

Q. With reference to the history of India, the terms “kulyavapa” and “dronavapa” denote

(a) measurement of land

(b) coins of different monetary value

(c) classification of urban land

(d) religious rituals

Answer: (a) measurement of land

Notes:
  • In the Gupta era, the terms Kulyavapa, Dronavapa, and Adhavapa were related to land measurements mainly mentioned in the copper plate inscriptions that were found in Bengal.
    • These words indicate the area of land that was required to sow seed grains of the weight respectively of one kula, Drona and Dhaka.

Agricultural Significance:

  • In ancient India, agriculture was the primary source of revenue for the state.
  • The classification and measurement of land were crucial for effective taxation and resource management.
  • Types of Land:
    • Various types of land are mentioned in historical inscriptions:
    • Kshetra: Cultivated land
    • Khila: Uncultivable land
    • Aprahata: Jungle or forest land
    • Gopata Sarah: Pasture land
    • Vasti: Habitable land
  • Land Measurement Terms:
    • ​Different regions used specific terms for land measurement, such as:
      • Kulyavapa:
        • The area required to sow one kulya of grain (approximately 12-16 acres)
      • Dronavapa:
        • ​The area required to sow one Drona of grain (approximately 1½-2 acres)
      • The term ‘vap’ translates to ‘to sow‘, reflecting its agricultural roots.
    • Measurement standards varied, with smaller measurements defined as:
      • Angula: Approx. ¾ inch
      • Hasta (cubit): Approximately 18 inches (the distance from the tip of the elbow to the middle finger)
  • The terms Adhavapa, Dronavapa, and Kulyavapa reflect a complex and region-specific system of land measurement, indicating that there was no single standard across ancient India.