Harshavardhana was a powerful ruler of the Pushyabhuti (Vardhana) dynasty who ruled northern India in the 7th century CE. He was the last great Hindu emperor of the north before the Turkish invasions. His reign is well documented and important for exams.
Rise of Harsha
Harshavardhana came to the throne in 606 CE after the death of his brother Rajyavardhana. He made Kannauj his capital. He united much of north India under his rule but was stopped in the south by the Chalukya king Pulakeshin II on the banks of the Narmada.
Sources of His Reign
- Banabhatta, his court poet, wrote Harshacharita and Kadambari.
- The Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang) visited his court.
- Harsha himself wrote three plays: Nagananda, Ratnavali and Priyadarshika.
Administration and Religion
Harsha was known for his charity and good administration. He held a great religious assembly at Prayag (Allahabad) every five years where he gave away his wealth. He was a patron of Nalanda University, a famous centre of learning, which Hiuen Tsang also visited. Harsha followed Hinduism but later supported Buddhism.
Hiuen Tsang
Hiuen Tsang spent several years in India and gave a detailed account of Indian society, religion and the prosperity of the time. His travels are a key source for the study of this period.
Quick Revision Points
- Harsha belonged to the Pushyabhuti dynasty.
- Came to power in 606 CE; capital at Kannauj.
- Defeated by Pulakeshin II on the Narmada.
- Banabhatta wrote Harshacharita.
- Hiuen Tsang visited his court.
- Harsha wrote Nagananda, Ratnavali, Priyadarshika.
- Held assemblies at Prayag and patronised Nalanda.