📚 Part of: Assam History And Culture Mcqs

Which ruler of Kumrupa is the contemporary to Samudra Gupta?

Category: Assam Gk

Correct Answer: C) Pushya Varman.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, State PSC, History Exams, Assam GK Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes:

Kumrupa, an ancient kingdom in present-day Assam, had several rulers during the period of the Gupta Empire. Samudra Gupta, a prominent Gupta emperor, ruled during the 4th century CE. Among the rulers of Kumrupa, Pushya Varman is known to have been a contemporary of Samudra Gupta.

Common Mistakes:
  • Confusing the timeline of different rulers of Kumrupa.
  • Misunderstanding the historical context of the Gupta Empire and its contemporaries.
  • Overlooking the specific historical records that place Pushya Varman as a contemporary of Samudra Gupta.
Explanation:

To understand the context of the rulers of Kumrupa and their contemporaries, it is essential to delve into the historical timeline of ancient India, particularly focusing on the period of the Gupta Empire and the Kamarupa kingdom.

The Gupta Empire, one of the most significant empires in ancient India, was established by Chandragupta I in the early 4th century CE. Samudra Gupta, one of the most notable Gupta emperors, ruled from approximately 335 to 375 CE. During his reign, he expanded the Gupta Empire significantly, including regions in the east, such as parts of present-day Assam.

Kumrupa, or Kamarupa, was an ancient kingdom located in the northeastern part of India, primarily in the region of present-day Assam. The kingdom had a series of rulers, and historical records provide insights into their reigns and interactions with other contemporary powers.

Pushya Varman, a ruler of the Kamarupa kingdom, is known to have been a contemporary of Samudra Gupta. Historical evidence, including inscriptions and records, places Pushya Varman's reign in the 4th century CE, which overlaps with the period of Samudra Gupta's rule. This makes Pushya Varman a significant figure in the context of the Gupta Empire's expansion and interactions with regional powers.

It is important to note that the rulers of Kumrupa, including Pushya Varman, were not mere vassals of the Gupta Empire but maintained their own sovereignty and often engaged in diplomatic and military interactions with the Guptas. This period marked a significant phase in the history of northeastern India, with the Kamarupa kingdom playing a crucial role in the political landscape of the time.

Understanding the historical context and the specific timelines of rulers like Pushya Varman is essential for comprehending the complex political and cultural dynamics of ancient India. This knowledge is particularly relevant for students of Assam GK and those preparing for competitive examinations that cover ancient Indian history.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Bhaskar Varman is incorrect. Bhaskar Varman was a later ruler of the Kamarupa kingdom, who was a contemporary of Harshavardhana, not Samudra Gupta. This misconception might arise from a lack of clear understanding of the chronological order of rulers in the Kamarupa kingdom.
  • Option B: Mahendra Varman is incorrect. Mahendra Varman is not a well-documented ruler of the Kamarupa kingdom during the time of Samudra Gupta. This option might be chosen due to confusion with other rulers of different regions or periods.
  • Option C: Pushya Varman is correct. Historical records indicate that Pushya Varman was a ruler of the Kamarupa kingdom during the 4th century CE, which aligns with the reign of Samudra Gupta. This makes Pushya Varman a contemporary of Samudra Gupta, thus making this the correct answer.
  • Option D: Ganapati Varman is incorrect. Ganapati Varman is not a known ruler of the Kamarupa kingdom during the time of Samudra Gupta. This option might be chosen due to a lack of specific knowledge about the rulers of the Kamarupa kingdom and their timelines.

Mnemonic: PV for Pushya Varman, aligning with the period of Samudra Gupta.

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