Question

Maitraka dynasty was founded in which part of India?

• A. Northern
• B. Western
• C. Eastern
• D. Southern

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Western

Maitraka Dynasty - Geographical Context

• The Maitraka dynasty, a prominent ruling power in ancient India, established its kingdom in the western part of India.
• Their core territory was primarily located in the region of Vallabhi in the present-day state of Gujarat.

Key Aspects of the Maitraka Rule:

• Founder: The dynasty was founded by Bhatarka, a general under the Guptas, around the late 5th or early 6th century CE.
• Capital: Their capital city was Vallabhi, which became a renowned center of learning, particularly for Buddhism.
• Period: The Maitraka rule lasted for approximately two centuries, from around 475 CE to 776 CE.
• Religion: While the rulers generally patronized Buddhism, they also showed tolerance towards other faiths like Shaivism and Vaishnavism.
• Economy and Trade: The region was strategically important for maritime trade, and the Maitrakas facilitated commerce through their ports.
• Decline: The dynasty eventually declined due to internal strife and external invasions, notably by the Arabs in the latter half of the 8th century.

Significance in Ancient Indian History:

• The Maitrakas played a significant role in maintaining political stability in western India during a period of fragmentation after the decline of the Gupta Empire.
• Vallabhi's prominence as an educational hub, rivaling Nalanda in some aspects, highlights their contribution to the cultural and intellectual landscape of ancient India.
• Their inscriptions and coins provide valuable historical data for understanding the socio-political and economic conditions of the era.