Which of the following rulers does not belong to Gurjara-Pratihar dynasty?
R.A.S./R.T.S. (Pre) 2018
A. Nagabhatta-II
B. Mahendrapal-I
C. Devapal-1
D. Bharatrabhatta-I
Answer: Bharatrabhatta-I
Option d is the correct answer.
Bharatrabhatta-I does not belong to Gurjara-Pratihar dynasty, whereas Nagabhatta-II (800-833 CE), Mahendrapal-I (885-910 CE), Devapal-I (948-954) were all rulers of Gurjara-Pratihar dynasty.
Important Tips
The Gurjara-Pratiharas (8th to 10th Century):
Gurjara-Pratihara: The term "Pratihara" means "doorman."
Emergence: Gurjara-Pratiharas gained prominence in the 8th century by resisting Arab forces during Nagabhata I's reign.
Founder: The greatest emperor of the Pratihara dynasty was Bhoja, who was also the empire's actual founder.
Rule in Kannauj: The Pratiharas ruling over Kannauj are referred to as Gurjara-Pratiharas.
Territorial Expansion: In Rajasthan's eastern and central regions, the Pratiharas established various principalities.
Conflicts and Expansion: The Gurjara-Pratihara Kingdom frequently clashed with contemporary powers like the Palas and Rashtrakutas.
Rivalry with Rashtrakutas: The Pratiharas contested the Rashtrakutas for control over Malwa, Gujarat, and Kanauj, which dominated the upper Ganga valley.
Defeats and Retreat: Early Pratihara attempts to expand into Malwa and the upper Ganga basin were thwarted by Rashtrakuta rulers Dhruva and Gopal III.
Rashtrakuta Victories: The Rashtrakutas defeated the Pratiharas in 790 and later in 806-07, forcing the latter to retreat to the Deccan and allowing the rise of the Palas.
Gurjara-Pratihara Court: The poet Rajashekhara was associated with the court of Gurjara-Pratihara King Mahendrapal and his son Mahipala.