Who did Harsha conquer in India?
In western India, Harsha also invaded and conquered the kingdom of Vallabhi ruled by King Dhruvasena II Baladitya. This King accepted the authority of Harsha as his over-lord.
What is the history of Harsha?
Harsha, also spelled Harṣa, also called Harshavardhana, (born c. 590 ce —died c. 647), ruler of a large empire in northern India from 606 to 647 ce. He was a Buddhist convert in a Hindu era. His reign seemed to mark a transition from the ancient to the medieval period, when decentralized regional empires continually struggled for hegemony.
How was king Harsha a good ruler?
Harsha was a competent military conqueror and an able administrator. Harsha was the last king to rule over a vast empire in India before the invasions by the Muslims. Harsha died in 647 AD after ruling for 41 years. Since he died without any heirs, his empire disintegrated very soon after his death.
What was the territorial limit of Harsha in India?
However, Harsha’s plans to conquer lands to the south were hampered when the Chalukya king, Pulakesin II defeated Harsha in 618-619 A.D. This sealed Harsha’s southern territorial limit as the Narmada River. There were two types of territories under Harsha.
What were the achievement of Harshavardhana?
He established his supremacy by defeating North-Indian Kingdoms. In commemoration of these achievements he took the title “Uttarapatheswara“. Harshavardhana tried to extend his empire in the South beyond the river Narmada. The battle of Narmada took place between Harshavardhana and Pulakeshin II in 634 CE.
What were the military campaign of Harsha?
The military campaigns of Harsha can be listed as follows: He conquered Punjab, eastern Rajasthan and Ganga valley till Assam. He attacked Chalukyan king, Pulakeshin II but was defeated. He did not annex every territory he conquered.
Who gives information on Harsha's conquest?
Solution: A sanskrit writer "Banabhatta" has written "Harshcharitra" which is a biography of Harshvardhana who was a ruler of Kannauj. The biography clearly depicts the rule of King Harsha. Therefore, we can say that "Harshcharitra" gives us information on King Harsha's conquests.
Who defeated Harsha empire?
Pulakesin IIHowever, Harsha's plans to conquer lands to the south were hampered when the Chalukya king, Pulakesin II defeated Harsha in 618-619 A.D. This sealed Harsha's southern territorial limit as the Narmada River. There were two types of territories under Harsha.
What areas did Harsha conquer what was the extent of his empire?
His influence extended from Gujarat to Assam, but the area directly under his control probably comprised no more than modern Uttar Pradesh state, with parts of Punjab and Rajasthan states. He attempted to conquer the Deccan (c. 620) but was driven back to the Narmada River by the Chalukya emperor Pulakeshin II.
What are the historical sources of Harsha rule?
Banabhatta's Harshacharita and an account of Hieun Tsang was the major source of information about Harsha's period. The period of Harsha is well documented in Harshacharitra written by Banabhatta.
What was the outcome of Harsha Deccan campaign?
Harsha was defeated by the south Indian Emperor Pulakeshin II of the Chalukya dynasty in the Battle of Narmada, when he tried to expand his empire into the southern peninsula of India.
Which of the following was written by Harsha?
Harsha wrote three Sanskrit plays- Nagananda, Ratnavali, and Priyadarshika.
When did Pulakeshin defeat Harsha?
618 AD'Pulakeshin's victory over Harsha was in 618 AD'
Who was the last ruler of Kannauj?
YashovarmanBorn7th or 8th century ADDied8th century ADIssueĀmaDynastyVarman dynasty of Kannauj6 more rows
Who is founder of Gupta Empire?
Chandra Gupta IChandra Gupta I, king of India (reigned 320 to c. 330 ce) and founder of the Gupta empire. He was the grandson of Sri Gupta, the first known ruler of the Gupta line.
Who was the courtier of harshvardhan?
The reign of Harsha lasted from 606 to 648AD. Most knowledge about Harsha's reign comes from the accounts left by his two admirers. One was his friend, courtier and biographer Banabhatta {he wrote Harshachartia} while another was Chinese traveller Huen Tsang.
Who were the prominent rulers of vardhana dynasty?
Naravardhana 500−525 CE.Rajyavardhan 525−555 CE.Adityavardhan 555−580 CE.Prabhakara- vardhana 580−605 CE.Rajya- vardhana, 605−606 CE.Harsha- vardhana, 606−647 CE.
Who was Harshavardhana's contemporary ruler in Bengal?
Bhaskar Varman: BhaskarvarmanBhaskar Varman: Bhaskarvarman was the last ruler of Varman dynasty. He was a contemporary of Harshavardhana but was not a ruler of Bengal. He was the ruler of Kamarupa, which is in the modern-day Assam.
Which Chinese Traveller came to India during the reign of Harshavardhana?
Hiuen TsangHiuen Tsang was the Chinese traveler who visited India in Ancient Times between AD 627-643. He visited India during the reign of Harshavardhana who came to admire him for his deep devotion towards Buddhism.
What was Harsha's military conquest?
Harsha’s Military Conquests. On his accession in 606 CE Harsha focused his attention on the affairs of his sister Rajyasri who had fled to Vindhya mountains to escape from the evil design of Deva Gupta of Malwa to covet her. Harsha went to Vindhya mountain ranges and succeeded in saving his sister who was about to burn herself after killing Deva ...
How long did Harsha rule?
Extent of Harsha’s Empire. Harsha ruled for 41 years. His feudatories included those of Jalandhar (in the Punjab), Kashmir, Nepal and Valabhi. Sasanka of Bengal remained hostile to him.
What punishments did Mimamsakas receive?
Mimamsakas were appointed to dispense justice. Banishment and the cutting of limbs of the body were the usual punishments. Trial by ordeal was in practice. Life imprisonment was the punishment for the violations of the laws and for plotting against the king.
What were the three kinds of taxes collected during Harsha's reign?
Bhaga, Hiranya and Bali were the three kinds of tax collected during Harsha’s reign. Bhaga was the land tax paid in kind. One-sixth of the produce was collected as land revenue. Hiranya was the tax paid by farmers and merchants in cash. There is no reference to the tax Bali.
What was the role of the council of ministers in Harsha?
The council played an important role in the selection of the king as well as framing the foreign policy of the empire.
What were Harsha's relations with China?
Harsha’s Relations with China. Harsha had cordial relations with China. The contemporary T’ang emperor, Tai Tsung, sent an embassy to his court in 643 and again in 647 CE. On the second occasion, the Chinese ambassador found that Harsha had recently died.
What was Harsha's immediate task?
Harsha’s immediate task was to take revenge on Sasanka. Harsha entered into an alliance with the king of Kamarupa (Pragiyaotisha), which is today the modern Assam. But there is hardly any detail of the war between Harsha and Sasanka.
What kingdom did Harsha conquer?
Harsha's Digvijay, or the conquest of the world had now begun. After Kannauj, he turned his attention towards Gujarat. He defeated the local Valabhi kingdom and expanded his empire.
Who was the ruler of Thaneshwar?
After his brother's death, at the age of 16, Harshavardhana became the undisputed ruler of Thaneshwar and declared war on Sasaka to avenge his brother and embarked upon a campaign of Digvijay, i.e. to conquer the world (which in this context means conquering whole India).
What happened to Shashanka in the East?
Meanwhile, in the east far greater events were happening which altered the course of history. Shashanka of the Gauda Kingdom, modern-day Bengal, marched and killed king Grahvarmana, Rajyashri's husband, and then kidnapped her. The kidnapping of his sister forced the elder Vardhana brother to march east and confront Shashanka. Shashanka then invited Rajyavardhana for a meeting and treacherously killed him. After his brother's death, at the age of 16, Harshavardhana became the undisputed ruler of Thaneshwar and declared war on Sasaka to avenge his brother and embarked upon a campaign of Digvijay, i.e. to conquer the world (which in this context means conquering whole India). Yet, his foremost enemy was now Shashanka who had to face an angry brother's wrath. Harsha issued a proclamation to all kings known to either declare allegiance to him or face him on the battlefield. As Shashanka's enemies responded to Harsha's call, he marched on to Kannuaj.
What happened after Harshavardhana's brother died?
After his brother's death, at the age of 16, Harshavardhana became the undisputed ruler of Thaneshwar and declared war on Sasaka to avenge his brother and embarked upon a campaign of Digvijay, i.e. to conquer the world. Meanwhile, in the east far greater events were happening which altered the course of history.
Where did the Pushyabhuti Dynasty originate?
The Pushyabhuti Dynasty 's origin is uncertain , but sources become clearer from c. 580 CE when Prabhakaravardhana ruled the kingdom of Thaneshwar, modern-day Haryana. Prabhakaravardana's queen Yasovati gave birth to two sons Rajyavardhana and Harshavardhana and a daughter named Rajyashri who was later married to king Grahvarman of Kanyakubja, modern-day Kannauj. This was a period of tension as India had to frequently deal with the invasion of the Huns of Central Asia. Constant fights were so costly that they weakened the empire to the core, and this eventually led to the downfall of the Gupta Empire . As the western frontiers of India and areas adjoining the Indus river were under the occupation of Huns, skirmishes between Huns and Thaneshwar were regular. While Harsha and his brother were busy dealing with the Huns in the west, Prabhakaravardana died in Thaneshwar. He was succeeded by his elder son, Rajyavardhana.
What was the effect of constant fights on the Gupta Empire?
Constant fights were so costly that they weakened the empire to the core, and this eventually led to the downfall of the Gupta Empire. As the western frontiers of India and areas adjoining the Indus river were under the occupation of Huns, skirmishes between Huns and Thaneshwar were regular.
Where were the Buddha's gifts distributed?
The images of Buddha, Sun and Siva were worshiped, and gifts of valuable articles and clothing were distributed in charity. Every five years religious ceremonies were celebrated at the ancient city of Allahabad. Here, he held the ceremony of Dana, or giving, which lasted for three months.
How long did Harsha rule?
Harsha came to the throne in 606 and ruled for 41 years. The first of the major historical biographies in Sanskrit, the Harsha carita (“Deeds of Harsha ”), was…. South Asian arts: The theatre.
Where did Harsha hold quinquennial assemblies?
He held quinquennial assemblies at the confluence of the Ganges (Ganga) and Yamuna (Jumna) rivers at Allahabad, at which he distributed treasures he had accumulated during the previous four years. A patron of men of learning, Harsha sponsored the chronicler Bana and the lyric poet Mayura.
Who was Harsha's brother?
The second son of Prabhakaravardhana, king of Sthanvishvara (Thanesar, in the eastern Punjab), Harsha was crowned at age 16 after the assassination of his elder brother, Rajyavardhana, and an encouraging “communication” with a statue of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara.
What kingdom did Harsha control?
After the fall of the Guptas, North India was divided into many small kingdoms. Harsha was able to unite many of them under his command. He had under his control of Punjab and central India.
What was Harsha's capital?
He built a huge empire that extended from north & northwestern India till the Narmada in the South. His capital was Kannauj. His reforms and policies were generous and were always aimed at boosting the peace and prosperity of his people. This article will talk about key-facts about Harshavardhana, the empire of Harsha for the IAS Exam.
What did Harsha do for Nalanda University?
Harsha generously supported the Nalanda University. He had a good tax structure. 1/4th of all the taxes collected were used for charity and for cultural purposes. Harsha was a competent military conqueror and an able administrator.
How old was Harshavardhana when he ruled Thanesar?
This led the 16-year old Harshavardhana to ascend the throne of Thanesar in 606 AD.
When was Harshavardhana born?
Facts about King Harshavardhana (Reign: 606 A.D to 647 A.D.) Harshavardhana was born in 590 AD to King Prabhakaravardhana of Sthaneshvara (Thanesar, Haryana). He belonged to the Pushyabhuti also called the Vardhana dynasty. He was a Hindu who later embraced Mahayana Buddhism. He was married to Durgavati.
Who was the king of Thanesar after Prabhakara Vardhana died?
After Prabhakara Vardhana died, his elder son Rajyavardhana ascended to the throne of Thanesar. Harsha had a sister, Rajyashri who was married to king Grahavarman of Kannauj. Sasanka, the Gauda king killed Grahavarman and kept Rajyashri prisoner. This prompted Rajyavardhana to fight against Sasanka.
Who was the king of the 7th century?
Ans. King Harshavardhana was the son of Prabhakar Vardhana, the founder of the Pushyabhuti Dynasty or the Vardhana Dynasty. He is considered one of the most prominent rulers of the 7th century. He had ascended the throne of Thaneshwar and Kannauj on the death of his brother, Rajyavardhana and consolidated his kingdom in northern India.
Why did Harsha visit many places of his empire?
He understood their difficulties, and prescribed remedies. Harsha visited many places of his empire for purpose of efficient administration. From the extreme limits of the empire in the north to far-away Kongoda or Ganjam in the south-east, he travelled like a touring monarch.
What did Harsha believe?
Harsha believed in the self-government of the countless village- communities. The central government did not concentrate all powers in its hands, but gave much autonomy to regional bodies for conducting the affairs of the state.
How many parts did Harsha divide his day into?
He divided his day into three parts, one of which was kept exclusively for state affairs. Harsha conducted his official tours in a grand style. Hundreds of drummers marched with the king to announce the presence of the king by beating their golden drums.
Why did Harsha come to Thaneswara?
One need not forget that Harsha came to the thrones of Thaneswara and Kanauj in response to the collective decisions of the Councils of Ministers and of the notables of the two kingdoms. To the traditional administrative structure, Harsha added a personal factor of great importance. It was his continuous personal inspection tours to supervise the governmental works both in urban and rural areas. By his royal march through the country he acquired a first-hand knowledge of the conditions of the people.
What system did Harsha follow?
Harsha followed the traditional monarchical system of administration which had existed in India during the earlier imperial periods. His time having been nearer to the Gupta Age, the various features of the imperial Gupta administration influenced Harsha’s administration to a very large extent. Yet, there were new innovations in accordance with ...
What was Harsha's personal factor?
It was his continuous personal inspection tours to supervise the governmental works both in urban and rural areas. By his royal march through the country he acquired a first-hand knowledge of the conditions of the people.
How did Harsha's administration create fear in the mind of men?
On the whole, Harsha’s administration created fear in the mind of men by a thorough penal code; though in practice, the punishments were not turned into a cruel system. With these features, Harsha’s government managed a large empire by generosity and efficiency, under the direct supervision of a dutiful emperor.
Pulikesin II, The Chalukya King
Extent of Harsha’s Empire
Harsha’s Relations with China
Administration
Revenue Administration
Administration of Justice
Administration of Army
Division of The Empire
Cities and Towns
Religious Policy
- Harsha was a worshipper of Siva at least up to 631 CE. But he embraced Buddhism under the influence of his sister Rajyasri and the Buddhist monk Hieun Tsang. He subscribed to the Mahayana school of thought. Yet he held discourses among learned men of various creeds. Slaughter of animals and consumption of meat was restricted. Harsha summoned two Bu...
Rise to Power & Military Campaigns
Art & Education
Society & Religion
Death & Legacy
- Harsha's empire marked the beginning of feudalismin India. Land was granted in villages, which made the local landlords powerful. This led to the weakening of the empire and gave rise to local feuds. Harsha had to be in constant movement to keep things in order. Harsha died in 647 AD, and the empire with him. The death of Harshavardhana is not well...