The ruler of which South Indian dynasty assumed the title of “Dharmaraj”, meaning a ruler devoted to dharma or righteousness?

Introduction / Context:
Many ancient and medieval Indian rulers adopted honorific titles to express their power, religious leanings, and ideals of kingship. The title “Dharmaraj” emphasises a king's role as a protector of dharma, or righteousness. Knowing which South Indian dynasty used this title helps students connect dynastic history with cultural and religious values, and it is a favourite type of objective question in history examinations.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The title in question is “Dharmaraj”.
• The context is South Indian dynasties.
• Options are Wakatak, Pallava, Kadamb, and Western Ganga.
• We assume we are asked about the dynasty whose ruler is historically recorded as using this specific title.

Concept / Approach:
The approach is to recall which dynasty's inscriptions and historical records mention the use of this title. While several dynasties used titles highlighting dharma, the specific title “Dharmaraj” is associated with the rulers of the Western Ganga dynasty of Karnataka. The Western Gangas ruled parts of southern Karnataka and often used religiously loaded titles, emphasising their role as righteous and just monarchs. The other dynasties either used different styles of titulature or are not commonly linked with this particular title in standard exam oriented sources.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Western Ganga dynasty ruled in parts of present day Karnataka from about the fourth to the tenth century. Step 2: Note that their rulers patronised Jainism and Hinduism and often styled themselves with titles that stressed righteousness and dharma. Step 3: Remember that the title “Dharmaraj” is explicitly attributed to a ruler from the Western Ganga dynasty in historical questions and exam material. Step 4: Compare with other options, which are not typically connected with this exact title. Step 5: Choose Western Ganga as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Students may remember that many competitive exam practice questions clearly mention Western Ganga in connection with the title “Dharmaraj”. Additionally, historians identify the Western Ganga kings as emphasising their religious legitimacy and adherence to dharma. This consistent association across textbooks and quiz books provides a strong confirmation that Western Ganga is correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Wakatak: This is a Deccan dynasty more often referred to as Vakataka, and it is not commonly associated with the specific title “Dharmaraj” in standard references.
Pallava: Their rulers took other royal titles, and while religious, they are not typically linked with this exact designation.
Kadamb: They used some dharma related titles, but the single word “Dharmaraj” is specifically highlighted for Western Ganga in exam sources.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to assume that any pious sounding title must belong to the Pallavas or Kadambas simply because they are better known. Another error is to be confused by unfamiliar spellings like Wakatak. A good strategy is to remember the fixed pair Western Ganga and “Dharmaraj” because it is regularly tested, and associate it with early medieval Karnataka.

Final Answer:
The title “Dharmaraj” was assumed by a ruler of the Western Ganga dynasty of South India.