Which one of the following pairs is NOT correctly matched?

1. A

   Ishanverman - Harha stone inscription

   Option (a) claims Ishanverman is linked with the Harha stone inscription. This pair is correctly matched as the Harha inscription provides details about the Maukhari ruler Ishanverman and his military successes. Therefore, this option is not the incorrect pair.

2. B

   Sarvaverman - Gaya Copper Plate

   Option (b) claims Sarvaverman is linked with the Gaya Copper Plate. This pair is actually NOT correctly matched because the Gaya Copper Plate is associated with the Later Gupta ruler Samudragupta or other kings, while Sarvaverman is known from the Asirgarh lead seal. Because it fails factual accuracy regarding epigraphical sources, this is the correct key.

3. C

   Jivit Gupta-Second - Deva Barnark inscription

   Option (c) claims Jivitagupta II is linked with the Deva Barnark inscription. This pair is correctly matched as the Deva Barnark inscription mentions the Later Gupta king Jivitagupta II and records land grants. Therefore, this option is not the incorrect pair.

4. D

   Ishwarverman - Jaunpur Stone inscription

   Option (d) claims Ishwarverman is linked with the Jaunpur Stone inscription. This pair is correctly matched since the Jaunpur stone inscription provides genealogical and historical information about the Maukhari king Ishwarverman. Therefore, this option is not the incorrect pair.

Summary. Official key is (b) because the Gaya Copper Plate is not associated with the Maukhari king Sarvaverman, making this pair incorrectly matched. The other three pairs correctly link the respective Maukhari and Later Gupta rulers with their corresponding epigraphical records. Candidates often confuse the inscriptions of the Maukhari dynasty with those of the Later Guptas due to overlapping historical timelines. Careful study of ancient epigraphy and royal genealogies helps eliminate such confusion in examinations. Thus, option (b) stands out as the correct choice for the mismatched pair.