In peninsular India, which of the following kingdoms was the local power that ruled over northern Maharashtra and Vidarbha?

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### Step-by-step explanation

- Identify the region: northern Maharashtra and Vidarbha lie in the central/Deccan part of peninsular India.
- Historical facts:
  - The Vakataka dynasty (3rd–5th centuries CE) was based in Vidarbha and exercised control over northern Maharashtra and adjoining Deccan areas; their capital was in the Vidarbha region and they had matrimonial and political links with the Guptas.
  - The Maukharis were a north Indian power (centered around Kannauj), the Maitrakas ruled in Saurashtra (Gujarat), and the early Chalukyas were based in the Deccan (Badami/Karnataka); none of these are the local power specifically identified with Vidarbha and northern Maharashtra in the given period.
- Conclusion: the local power ruling northern Maharashtra and Vidarbha were the Vakatakas (option (1)).

FINAL_ANSWER: a

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