Consider the following statements with reference to the Utpala dynasty of Kashmir : 1. Avantivarman, the founder, devoted his energies to the economic upliftment of his subjects. 2. Avantivarman's period in Kashmir is known for the engineering operations under his minister Suyya, resulting in the enormous increase of grains and fall in prices. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.Both 1 and 2
- D.Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is C, Both 1 and 2. Avantivarman founded the Utpala dynasty around 855 CE and is remembered for peaceful rule focused on the welfare of his people, and his minister Suyya carried out famous drainage and irrigation works.
Kalhana's Rajatarangini, the 12th century chronicle of Kashmir, praises Avantivarman for avoiding wars of conquest and rebuilding the kingdom's economy after the Karkota period. Suyya cleared rocks from the Vitasta (Jhelum), raised embankments and diverted channels, which freed marshy land for cultivation. Kalhana records that the price of rice fell sharply as a result. The town of Sopore (Suyyapura) is named after Suyya, and Avantipur, with its temples, after the king.
A is wrong because it leaves out the Suyya statement, which is correct. B is wrong because statement 1 is also correct. D is wrong because both statements are correct.
Exam tip: Utpala dynasty: Avantivarman (founder, Avantipur) + engineer Suyya (Sopore); source is Kalhana's Rajatarangini.
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