Who among the following historians said that the Kakatiya king Prataparudra marks the beginning of two different state systems in the Deccan ?

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MH SET Paper-II: History 26th September 2021
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  1. Richard Eaton
  2. John F. Richards
  3. Kenneth R. Hall
  4. Stewart Gordon

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : Richard Eaton
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MH SET Paper 1: Held on 26th Sep 2021
50 Qs. 100 Marks 60 Mins

Detailed Solution

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The correct answer is - Richard Eaton

Key Points

  • Richard Eaton is a prominent historian known for his expertise on medieval Indian history, particularly the Deccan region.
  • He argued that the reign of Prataparudra, the Kakatiya king, signifies the beginning of two distinct state systems in the Deccan:
    • The transformation of the region into a politically centralized state.
    • The emergence of a highly regionalized and agrarian-based administrative system.
  • His work emphasizes the institutional and structural changes initiated during the Kakatiya period, which laid the foundation for subsequent political systems in the Deccan.
  • Richard Eaton’s analysis is widely cited in scholarly works on Indian history for its critical examination of the socio-political transitions during the medieval period.

Additional Information

  • Kakatiya Dynasty
    • The Kakatiyas were a South Indian dynasty that ruled the Deccan region, with their capital at Warangal.
    • Prataparudra (r. 1289–1323 CE) was the last significant ruler of the Kakatiya dynasty before its fall to the Delhi Sultanate.
    • The dynasty is known for its contributions to art, architecture, and irrigation systems, especially the construction of tanks and temples.
  • State Systems in the Deccan
    • The Kakatiya period marked the transition from tribal chiefdoms to a more organized and structured feudal state.
    • The administrative system included the participation of local chieftains and the promotion of agrarian expansion to strengthen the economy.
  • Richard Eaton’s Contributions
    • He is the author of several books and articles on the history of the Deccan, including his seminal work, "The Social History of the Deccan, 1300–1761".
    • His research focuses on themes like cultural synthesis, regional state formation, and the impact of Islam in medieval India.

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