Explanations:The Pala Dynasty was a significant ruling dynasty in the eastern part of the Indian subcontinent, primarily in the regions of Bengal and Bihar. The dynasty was founded by Gopala in the mid-8th century, around 750 CE. Gopala's reign marked the beginning of a powerful and influential dynasty that lasted until the 12th century.
During the same period, the kingdom of Kamrupa, located in present-day Assam, was also a significant political entity. Kamrupa had several rulers, and one of them, Salambha, was a contemporary of Gopala. The term "contemporary" in this context means that both rulers were active during overlapping periods of time. Salambha ruled Kamrupa in the 8th century, which aligns with the early period of the Pala Dynasty.
Understanding the historical timelines and the political landscape of medieval India is crucial for identifying contemporaneous rulers. The Pala Dynasty and the rulers of Kamrupa were part of a complex network of kingdoms and dynasties that interacted and influenced each other. The political and cultural exchanges between these regions were significant in shaping the history of medieval India.
It is important to note that the rulers of Kamrupa were not always contemporaries of the Pala Dynasty. For example, Harjara Varman, who ruled Kamrupa in the 10th century, was not a contemporary of Gopala. Similarly, Shri Harsha, also known as Harshavardhana, who ruled a large part of northern India in the 7th century, preceded the Pala Dynasty and was not a contemporary of Gopala.
Therefore, the correct answer is Salambha, who was indeed a contemporary of Gopala of the Pala Dynasty. This question tests the student's knowledge of the historical timelines and the political landscape of medieval India, specifically the interactions and contemporaneous rulers of the Pala Dynasty and the kingdom of Kamrupa.