RAS question
The Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty's most powerful ruler, Mihir Bhoja, had his capital at:
Correct answer: (B) Kannauj.
Mihir Bhoja, the powerful ninth-century Gurjara-Pratihara ruler, had his capital at Kannauj.
Explanation
Mihir Bhoja ruled in the ninth century as a ruler of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty. The dynasty had an important Rajasthan connection through the Mandore region and expanded eastward, but Mihir Bhoja made Kannauj his imperial capital. Drishti IAS notes that his empire extended from Multan to Bengal and from Kashmir to northern Maharashtra. His religious and royal identity also helps recognition: he was a devotee of Vishnu and held the title Adivaraha, along with titles such as Varaha and Prabhas.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Ajmer points to the Chauhan political tradition, not to Mihir Bhoja's Gurjara-Pratihara capital.
- (C) Ujjain is associated with the Paramaras, whereas Mihir Bhoja's capital was Kannauj.
- (D) Mandore marks an early Pratihara centre and the dynasty's Rajasthan connection, but it was not Mihir Bhoja's capital.
Concept
Early-medieval dynasty-capital mapping distinguishes Rajasthan-linked powers as they expanded into wider north Indian politics. RAS often uses capitals, titles and origin centres to distinguish closely placed dynasties.