Which of the following factors contributed to the shift of focus from Pataliputra to Kannauj after the Gupta period?
1. Decline in trade and commerce weakened Pataliputra's economic significance.
2. A transition from urban to rural settlements led to the decline of major cities.
3. An attack by Pala king Dharmapala hastened Pataliputra’s downfall.

Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Question

Which of the following factors contributed to the shift of focus from Pataliputra to Kannauj after the Gupta period?
1. Decline in trade and commerce weakened Pataliputra's economic significance.
2. A transition from urban to rural settlements led to the decline of major cities.
3. An attack by Pala king Dharmapala hastened Pataliputra&rsquo;s downfall.

Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

Statement 1 is correct: The decline of trade and commerce in Pataliputra played a crucial role in its diminishing prominence after the Gupta period. This economic downturn contributed to a shift in political and commercial focus to Kannauj, which emerged as a significant center during the early medieval period.

Statement 2 is correct: The post-Gupta period witnessed a transition from urban-based economies to rural-centric societies, a process driven by feudalization. As cities like Pataliputra declined, rural power centers, particularly Kannauj, gained prominence due to their strategic location and emerging political importance.

Statement 3 is not correct: While Dharmapala of the Pala dynasty did launch military campaigns in regions including Pataliputra, this was not the primary reason for the city's decline. Instead, the downfall of Pataliputra was largely due to internal factors, such as the economic collapse, the decline of long-distance trade, and the rise of feudal lords who weakened centralized authority. The scarcity of coined money forced the state to pay officials, soldiers, and other servants through land grants instead of salaries, reinforcing the feudal structure.

Min. Time: 3 S Max Time: 3 S
M Question 1	⏱ 0
Which of the following factors contributed to the shift of focus from Pataliputra to Kannauj after the Gupta period? 1. Decline in trade and commerce weakened Pataliputra's economic significance. 2. A transition from urban to rural settlements led to the decline of major cities. 3. An attack by Pala king Dharmapala hastened Pataliputra’s downfall. Select the correct answer using the code below: (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, and 3

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