Explanation: The question pertains to the historical context of the rulers of Kamrupa and their contemporaries in the Pala Dynasty. Kamrupa, located in the northeastern part of the Indian subcontinent, was a significant kingdom during the medieval period. The Pala Dynasty, which emerged in the 8th century, was a powerful dynasty that ruled over much of Bengal and parts of Bihar and Orissa.
Gopala, the founder of the Pala Dynasty, ascended the throne around 750 CE. During his reign, the Pala Dynasty expanded its influence and became a dominant power in eastern India. The rulers of Kamrupa, who were contemporaries of the Pala rulers, had interactions and conflicts with the Pala Dynasty due to their geographical proximity and political ambitions.
Salambha, a ruler of Kamrupa, is known to have been a contemporary of Gopala. Historical records and inscriptions provide evidence of the interactions between the rulers of Kamrupa and the Pala Dynasty. Salambha's reign overlapped with the early years of the Pala Dynasty, making him a significant figure in the context of the political landscape of the time.
It is important to note that the rulers of Kamrupa were part of a larger network of kingdoms and dynasties that existed in medieval India. The interactions between these rulers were often characterized by alliances, conflicts, and power struggles. Understanding the contemporaries of Gopala, such as Salambha, helps in comprehending the complex political dynamics of the period.
In contrast, Shri Harsha, also known as Harshavardhana, was a ruler of the Vardhana Empire in North India, and his reign ended before the rise of the Pala Dynasty. Harjara Varman, another ruler of the Kamarupa kingdom, ruled much later, during the 10th century, and thus was not a contemporary of Gopala.
Therefore, the correct answer is Salambha, who was indeed a contemporary of Gopala of the Pala Dynasty.