Correct answer: (c) 3 1 4 2
Explanation
- A
1 2 3 4
Code 1 2 3 4 would give Dhananjaya–Avamukta and Vishnugopa–Palaka, which does not match the Allahabad-pillar identifications used in the paper. This option is not the key.
- B
2 1 4 3
Code 2 1 4 3 puts Dhananjaya at Kanchi, which belongs to Vishnugopa. This option is therefore wrong.
- C
3 1 4 2
Samudragupta’s southern list is read as Dhananjaya of Kusthalpura, Nilaraja of Avamukta, Ugrasena of Palaka (Palakka) and Vishnugopa of Kanchi, that is 3, 1, 4, 2. This option is the official key.
- D
4 3 2 1
Code 4 3 2 1 scrambles all four pairings. This option is not the key.
Summary. Official key is (c) 3 1 4 2. The Prayaga prashasti names several dakshinapatha kings whom Samudragupta captured and released. Vishnugopa is firmly the Pallava of Kanchi. Kusthalpura, Avamukta and Palaka complete the four as keyed. Only (c) preserves that match.