RAS question
The Pratiharas are believed to have originated from which region in Rajasthan?
Correct answer: (B) Mandore (Jodhpur).
The Pratiharas are believed to have originated from Mandore near Jodhpur in Rajasthan.
Explanation
Mandore is the right answer because the Rajasthan Foundation page identifies an “Empire & Pratihara of Mandore Dynasty” and names Raja Harishchandra Pratihara as the founder of the clan. Standard Rajasthan-history framing places the early Gurjara-Pratiharas at Mandore near Jodhpur, with Harichandra treated as the first Pratihara ruler of Mandore. The point matters because the dynasty did not remain a small regional line: it later expanded to control Kannauj and much of northern India. Mandore was the early Rajasthan base of a dynasty whose political importance became far wider.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Chittor belongs to a different Rajasthan history frame here; the relevant Pratihara origin is at Mandore, not Chittor.
- (C) Ajmer is not the Pratihara place of origin in this Rajasthan-history framing.
- (D) Jaisalmer is not associated with the Pratihara origin in this Rajasthan-history framing; the relevant early centre is Mandore near Jodhpur.
Concept
Early medieval Rajasthan dynasties are important for the regional origins of ruling houses before their wider north Indian expansion. RAS Rajasthan-history preparation requires clear links between a dynasty, its original centre, founder, and later political reach.