DOCSLIB.ORG

The Vardhanas – Harshavardhanas History Study Materials

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Vardhanas – Harshavardhanas History Study Materials The Vardhanas – HarshaVardhanas History Study Materials THE VARDHANAS (AD 550-647) As the Gupta Empire disintegrated, the kingdom empire conquering Bengal, Malwa, eastern of Sthameshwar emerged as a seat of power in Rajasthan and the entire Gangetic pluin the region of Kanauj (earlier known as Thanes up to Assam, Under Harshavardhana, North war). The first known king of this kingdom was India was reunited briefly, but neither the Pushyabhuti. Their forefathers were never full Guptas nor Harsha controlled a centralised state, kings as they were subordinates or appointed and their administrative styles rested on the officials under the Imperial Guptas or the Hunas. collaboration of regional and local officials for Many records testify the rise of the Vardhanas to administering their rule rather than on centrally power and how they flourislied under appointed personnel. However, he was Prabhakaravardhana and his two sons, successful in consolidating all the North Indian Rajyavardhana and Harshavardhana. feudal states, which had emerged because of land grants after the fall of the Gupta Empire, HARSHAVARDHANA (AD 606-646) under his sovereignty. By the end of his reign Harsha's Empire extended from the Brahmaputra Harshavardhana, the younger son of to eastern Punjab, from the Himalayas to the Prabhakaravardhana, belonged to the Narmada. Pushyabhuti family who ruled in Thanesar. north of Delhi. He ascended the throne in ad 606 in ADMINISTRATION difficult circumstances at a very young age of 16 years. Prabhakaravardhana had a daughter, Harshucharita by Bana and biography Rajyashree, who was married to Grihavarman. of the Chinese traveller Huien Tsang by Heuili the Maukhan King of Kanauj. After throw light on Harshavardhana's reign. Prabhakaravardhana's death, the King of Malwa. Harshavardhan personally supervised all the Devaguptu, attacked Kanauj, killed business in the state. The empire was divided Grihavarmun and look Rajyashree as a prisoner. into provinces called bhuktis and put under the His elder brother, Rajyavardhana, who had charge of governors called the bhuktis. succeeded his father to the throne, attacked the Bhuktis were further sub-divided into Malwa king to restore Kanauj and free his sister. districts called visayas, tehsils or pathaks and Rajyavardhana was killed in the battle and it was villages or gramas. A large army was maintained later llarshavardhana who defeated Devagupta during his reign. The tax levied by him was a and his allies and reclaimed Kanauj. As his convenient one-sixth of the produce. brother-in-law Grihavarman had no heir to the Kanauj throne, Harshavardhana merged it to his kingdom. He later moved his capital from Sthaneshwar to Kanauj. He established a strong examsdaily.in Page 1 The Vardhanas – HarshaVardhanas History Study Materials 6. Samantha Magadha Patalipura Guptas 7. Gowdas Bengal Rangmati 8. Lichhavis Nepal Kathmandu 9. Varmas Kamarupa Pragjothishyap ura 10. Manas Orissa Padmakoti 11. Huns Punjab Sialkot 12 Vakatakay Vidharba Parverapura 13. Kadambas Goa Panaji 14. Kadambas Hanagal Hanngal 15. Nolambas Hemavati Hemavati 16. Gangas Kalinga Kalinga City MAP 1.9 Harshavardhanas (Kingdom) 17. Kalachuris Chedi - 18. Trikutas Aparantha Anirudapura ECONOMY 19. Shilaharas Konkan Balipattana 20. Kalabras Kodumbalur Kodambalur The main sources of income were land 21. Satyaputras Konganadu Kongunadu taxes and revenue paid by the kings whose land 22. Vishnu Vinukonda Vinukonda had been conquered. Soldiers were also sent by Kundis them when the emperor had to fight a war. 23. Solankis Vengi Vengipura 24. Anands Guntur Kundapur RELIGION 25. Brihadphalyan Mashipotam Mashipotam as Harshavardhana was initially a Hindu 26. Jkshwakus Nagarjunako Nagarjunakond but later on converted to Buddhism. He was, nda a however, tolerant towards 27. Cholas Uraiyur Uraiyur 28. Pallavas Kanchi Kanchi TABLE 1.5 States and their Capitals 29. Pandyas Madurai Madurai Under the Vardhanas. 30. Gangas Talkad Kuvalala 31. Alupas Udyavara Udyavara S. Name of Location Capital 32. Alupas Barakur Barakur No the state 33. Cheras Kodangallur Kodangullar . 1. Maithrakas Gujarat Vallubhi Religion 2. Yashodhrama Malwa Mondasar Buddhism no longer received royal patronage. 3. Maukharis Kanauj Kanauj Jainism remained unchanged and continued to 4. Gurajaras Jodhpur Jodhpur be supported by the merchant communities of 5. Gurajaras Nandipur Naandoda examsdaily.in Page 2 The Vardhanas – HarshaVardhanas History Study Materials Western India. Christianity remained confined a famous centre of Buddhism, which flourished to the region of Malabar. In Hinduism, the during Harshavardhana’s period. He stayed in image emerged as the centre of worship and India for 8 years (ad 635-643). Another Chinese encouraged Bhaktl [devotional) worship rather traveller, Yuangchang, wrote Si-yu-ki (a record than sacrifice. of the western kingdom), which also discented Harsha’s reign. Banabhatfa, one of the four all religions. He patronised both Hinduism and poets of Harshavardhana wrote Hanrshacharita a Buddhism. He held many religious conferences biography of the king. The history of and among them the most significant were the Harshavardhana is reconstructed from a study of Kanauj Conference and the Prayaga Conference these two works. Buna also wrote Kadambri and in which all religions were given equal Chandishataka but Harshacharita is the most importance. He sent a Brahmin priest as an prominent of them all. ambassador to the Chinese king and welcomed Wand-Huc-Itsi, an ambassador of the Chinese Haridatta, king, in his court. Siddhasana,Mathangadivakara. SOCIAL Mayura (author of Suryaihathakam) and Bhartruhari (who wrote Hhartruharishatakam) There was no purdah system, but sati are prominent literary figures of this era. The was prevalent. The government used to latter penned various dramas, prominent among adequately support all public welfare causes and them are Tarnavalli, Naiftinandan and adopted measures to keep people happy. Priyadarshika, which were considered to be of Hospitals and nest houses were built in good very high standard by the Chinese traveller I- numbers to help the sick and poor people and tsing, in his accounts on India. I-tsing had travellers. The Nalanda University was visited India sometime after the death of Harsha. patronised by the king and a fixed amount of funds were deposited with the university Ancient/Medieval Eras administrators to carry out the proper functioning of the university. Buddha Samval: 544 BC Mahavira Samvat: 528 BC LITERATURE Vikram Samvat: 57 BC (Chardragupta Vikaramaditya) Harshavardhana had profound interest Saka Samvat: AD 78 in literature and administration. A prominent (Kanishka) Chinese traveller, Hiuen Tsang. who stayed in Gupta Samvat: AD [Chandrartnpta) India during the reign of Harshavardhana wrote Vallabhi Samvat: AD 319 a detailed account on India as it was at that time. Kalchuri (Samvat: AD 248 He described Indians as hot tempered but honest (Isvarsena) and observed that there was no death sentence. Harsha Samvat: AD 606 He studied at Nalanda, a Buddhist university and examsdaily.in Page 3 The Vardhanas – HarshaVardhanas History Study Materials (Harshavardhan) Hijarai Samvat: AD 622 (Prophel Muhammad) Laxman Samvat: AD 1119 (Laxmansena of Bengal) Ilahi Samvat: AD 1584 (Solar calendar of Akbar) GK Study Materials PDF Download All subject Study Materials PDF Download 2018 Current Affairs Download – PDF Download Whatsapp Group Click Here Telegram Channel Click Here Join Us on FB : English – Examsdaily Follow US on Twitter - Examsdaily examsdaily.in Page 4 .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Gupta Empire and Their Rulers – History Notes
    Gupta Empire and Their Rulers – History Notes Posted On April 28, 2020 By Cgpsc.Info Home » CGPSC Notes » History Notes » Gupta Empire and Their Rulers Gupta Empire and Their Rulers – The Gupta period marks the important phase in the history of ancient India. The long and e¸cient rule of the Guptas made a huge impact on the political, social and cultural sphere. Though the Gupta dynasty was not widespread as the Maurya Empire, but it was successful in creating an empire that is signiÛcant in the history of India. The Gupta period is also known as the “classical age” or “golden age” because of progress in literature and culture. After the downfall of Kushans, Guptas emerged and kept North India politically united for more than a century. Early Rulers of Gupta dynasty (Gupta Empire) :- Srigupta – I (270 – 300 C.E.): He was the Ûrst ruler of Magadha (modern Bihar) who established Gupta dynasty (Gupta Empire) with Pataliputra as its capital. Ghatotkacha Gupta (300 – 319 C.E): Both were not sovereign, they were subordinates of Kushana Rulers Chandragupta I (319 C.E. to 335 C.E.): Laid the foundation of Gupta rule in India. He assumed the title “Maharajadhiraja”. He issued gold coins for the Ûrst time. One of the important events in his period was his marriage with a Lichchavi (Kshatriyas) Princess. The marriage alliance with Kshatriyas gave social prestige to the Guptas who were Vaishyas. He started the Gupta Era in 319-320C.E. Chandragupta I was able to establish his authority over Magadha, Prayaga,and Saketa. Calendars in India 58 B.C.
    [Show full text]
  • Harshavardhana [NCERT Notes on Ancient Indian History for UPSC]
    UPSC Civil Services Examination UPSC Notes [GS-I] Topic: Harshavardhana [NCERT Notes on Ancient Indian History for UPSC] King Harshavardhana was also known as Harsha. 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. King Harshavardhana deeds were praised by Chinese Buddhist traveller Xuanzang in his writings. 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 Vardhana dynasty. He was a Hindu who later embraced Mahayana Buddhism. He was married to Durgavati. He had a daughter and two sons. His daughter married a king of Vallabhi whereas his sons were killed by his own minister. King Harshavardhana Ascension After Prabhakaravardhana 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. But Sasanka killed Rajyavardhana. This led the 16-year old Harshavardhana to ascend the throne of Thanesar in 606 AD. He vowed to avenge his brother’s murder and also rescue his sister. For this, he forged an alliance with Bhaskaravarman, the Kamarupa king. Harsha and Bhaskaravarman marched against Sasanka. Ultimately, Sasanka left for Bengal and Harsha became the king of Kannauj also. Empire of King Harshavardhana On acquiring Kannauj, Harsha united the two kingdoms of Thanesar and Kannauj.
    [Show full text]
  • Harshavardhana NOTES
    Winmeen Tnpsc Group 1 & 2 Self Preparation Course 2018 History Part - 11 11] Harshavardhana NOTES Harshavardhana (606 – 647 AD) After Gupta’s decline, Harshavardhana, a ruler of Thanesar, Haryana extended his authority over all fiduciaries Harshavardhana made Kannauj his capital & seat of power & became last great Hindu ruler of North India. In his early life, Harsha was devoted to Shiva but later he became an ardent Mahayana Buddhist under the influence of Chinese pilgrim Huan Tsang. Prabhakaravardhana is the founder of vardhana dynasty. Harsha supported scholars like Haridatta and Jeyasena. Bhaskaravarman helped harsha to fight long with Sasangan who killed harsha brother. Harsha initiall followe d Bhraminism. Hieun- Tsang and Rajyasri influenced harsha to follow Buddhism Pushyabhuti Dynasty It’s founder was Pushyabhuti. They became independent after the Hun invasion. Their capital was Thaneshwar, to the north of Delhi. 1 www.winmeen.com | Learning Leads to Ruling Winmeen Tnpsc Group 1 & 2 Self Preparation Course 2018 An important king of Vardhan Dynasty was Prabhakaravardhan. After his death, his elder son Rajyavardhan assumed the throne. He was treacherously murdered by Sasanka, the ruler of Bengal. Thereafter, Harshavardhan succeeded his brother. Extent of Harshavardhan’s Empire: Harsha ruled over a vast territory consisting of eastern Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa under their control. Nepal had accepted his overlordship. Harsha defeated the ruler of Kannauj and made Kannauj his new capital. Most important battle fought by Harshavardhan was against Chalukyan ruler Pulakeshin II with the ambition to extend his empire beyond Narmada. Aihole inscription of Pulakeshin mentions that Harsha was defeated.
    [Show full text]
  • History of India
    HISTORY OF INDIA VOLUME - 2 History of India Edited by A. V. Williams Jackson, Ph.D., LL.D., Professor of Indo-Iranian Languages in Columbia University Volume 2 – From the Sixth Century B.C. to the Mohammedan Conquest, Including the Invasion of Alexander the Great By: Vincent A. Smith, M.A., M.R.A.S., F.R.N.S. Late of the Indian Civil Service, Author of “Asoka, the Buddhist Emperor of India” 1906 Reproduced by Sani H. Panhwar (2018) Preface by the Editor This volume covers the interesting period from the century in which Buddha appeared down to the first centuries after the Mohammedans entered India, or, roughly speaking, from 600 B.C. to 1200 A.D. During this long era India, now Aryanized, was brought into closer contact with the outer world. The invasion of Alexander the Great gave her at least a touch of the West; the spread of Buddhism and the growth of trade created new relations with China and Central Asia; and, toward the close of the period, the great movements which had their origin in Arabia brought her under the influences which affected the East historically after the rise of Islam. In no previous work will the reader find so thorough and so comprehensive a description as Mr. Vincent Smith has given of Alexander’s inroad into India and of his exploits which stirred, even if they did not deeply move, the soul of India; nor has there existed hitherto so full an account of the great rulers, Chandragupta, Asoka, and Harsha, each of whom made famous the age in which he lived.
    [Show full text]
  • Unit 3 the Age of Empires: Guptas and Vardhanas
    SPLIT BY - SIS ACADEMY www.tntextbooks.inhttps://t.me/SISACADEMYENGLISHMEDIUM Unit 3 The Age of Empires: Guptas and Vardhanas Learning Objectives • To know the establishment of Gupta dynasty and the empire-building efforts of Gupta rulers • To understand the polity, economy and society under Guptas • To get familiar with the contributions of the Guptas to art, architecture, literature, education, science and technology • To explore the signification of the reign of HarshaVardhana Introduction Sources By the end of the 3rd century, the powerful Archaeological Sources empires established by the Kushanas in the Gold, silver and copper coins issued north and Satavahanas in the south had by Gupta rulers. lost their greatness and strength. After the Allahabad Pillar Inscription of decline of Kushanas and Satavahanas, Samudragupta. Chandragupta carved out a kingdom and The Mehrauli Iron Pillar Inscription. establish his dynastic rule, which lasted Udayagiri Cave Inscription, Mathura for about two hundred years. After the Stone Inscription and Sanchi Stone downfall of the Guptas and thereafter and Inscription of Chandragupta II. interregnum of nearly 50 years, Harsha of Bhitari Pillar Inscription of Vardhana dynasty ruled North India from Skandagupta. 606 to 647 A.D (CE). The Gadhwa Stone Inscription. 112 VI History 3rd Term_English version CHAPTER 03.indd 112 22-11-2018 15:34:06 SPLIT BY - SIS ACADEMY www.tntextbooks.inhttps://t.me/SISACADEMYENGLISHMEDIUM Madubhan Copper Plate Inscription Lichchhavi was an old gana–sanga and Sonpat Copper Plate its territory lay between the Ganges and Nalanda Inscription on clay seal the Nepal Terai. Literary Sources Vishnu, Matsya, Vayu and Bhagavata Samudragupta (c.
    [Show full text]
  • Unit 3 the Pushyabhutis and the Rise of Harsha*
    History of India from C. 300 C.E. to 1206 UNIT 3 THE PUSHYABHUTIS AND THE RISE OF HARSHA* Structure 3.0 Objectives 3.1 Introduction 3.2 The Changing Political Scenario in North India 3.2.1 New Type of Political Centres: the Jayaskandhavaras 3.2.2 Kanauj as the New Political Centre 3.2.3 Decline of Pataliputra 3.3 The Pushyabhutis 3.4 The Political Activities of Harsha 3.4.1 Sources 3.4.2 Political Activities of Harsha: An Overview 3.4.3 The Extent of Harsha’s Kingdom 3.4.4 Xuan Zang’s Account 3.4.5 Harsha Era 3.4.6 End of Harsha’s Reign 3.5 The Changing Structure of Polity 3.5.1 Titles of Kings 3.5.2 Administration 3.5.3 Political Structure 3.6 Aftermath: The Tripartite Struggle for Kanauj 3.7 Summary 3.8 Key Words 3.9 Answers to Check Your Progress Exercises 3.10 Suggested Readings 3.0 OBJECTIVES After reading this Unit, you will be able to learn: how the political scenario of north India changed in the 5th-6th century CE; the emergence of new types of political centres – the Jayaskandhavaras; why Kanauj became the new political centre of North India; Harsha’s political activities; the extent of Harsha’s ‘empire’; the changing political structure of north India; and impact of the rise of Kanauj: the Tripartite struggle. 3.1 INTRODUCTION The political scenario in post-Gupta north India was characterised by the emergence of numerous ruling families like the Maukharis of Kanyakubja, later 34 *Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • Banabhatta : Harshacharita
    ANCIENT INDIAN HISTORY & ARCHAEOLOGY, PATNA UNIVERSITY, PATNA Banabhatta : Harshacharita PG / PGM.A. / 3M.A.rd Sem 3 rd Semester CC-12, Historiography, History of Bihar & Research Methodology Dr. Manoj Kumar Assistant Professor (Guest) Dept. of A.I.H. & Archaeology, Patna University, Patna-800005 Email- [email protected] P ATNA U NIVERSITY , PATNA Banabhatta : Harshacharita Banabhatta: Harshacharita Of all the extant historical biographies of ancient times, mention may first be made of the Harsacarita of Banabhatta), the court poet-cum-historian of Harsa (AD 606-48) of Sthanvisvara (modern Thaneswar in Haryana) and Kanyakubja (Kanauj). Bana himself calls his work an akhyayika as it has a historical basis. It consists of eight ucchavasas (chapters). Personal Life of Banabhatta In the first chapter, the author speaks of his own ancestry and lineage. According to the information supplied by him, he was the son of Citrabhanu in the Vatsyayana line of the Bhargava Brahmanas. His ancestral home was at Pritikuta, a village situated on the western bank of the river Sona within the limits of the kingdom of Kanyakubja. The first three chapters are devoted, of course, partly to the life and family of the author himself. He belonged to the family, which was famous for scholarly tradition. His inclination towards or interest in history was quite consistent with his family tradition. Ancestry of Harshavardhana Harsa’s ancestors find mention in the third chapter of the Harsacarita. The author of the work informs us that it was Pusyabhuti who founded the kingdom of Srikantha with its capital at Sthanvisvara (in the late fifth or early sixth century AD).
    [Show full text]
  • Thegupta Dynasty– History Study Materials
    TheGupta Dynasty– History Study Materials THE GUPTA DYNASTY (AD 320-550) The Gupta Dynasty Era is often remembered as the central Asia), who were yet another group in the long Classical Age. Under the Gupta rulers, most of North succession of ethnically and culturally different India was reunited. The Gupta Empire extended from outsiders drawn into India and then woven into the the Brahmaputra to the Yamuna and Chambal, from hybrid Indian fabric. the Himalayas to the Narmada. Because of the relative Coins of Kushana Dynasty peace, law and order, and extensive cultural achievements during this period, it has been described The Kushana ruler used their coinage to establish as a Golden Age that crystallised the elements of what and highlight their own superiority. The Idea of is generally known as the Hindu culture, showing the ruler on the coins was not popular in India. All the previous dynasties minted; coins The Gupta depicting only symbols. The Kushana rulers Dynasty popularised this idea which remained in use for the next 2,000 years. The coinage system developed by Shri Gupta (Founder) the Kushanas was copied by the later Indian 319-335 CE dynasties such Guptas, as well as by the neighbouring rulers such as Sassdnians (of Persia). Samudragupta 335- It is very unfortunate that very few evidences of the 376 CE Kushana rule could be found today. Perhaps, the coins are only evidence we have of this illustratious dynasty. Kushana coins tell so much about the Chandragupta Ramagupta images of the kings. The coins tell us how the rulers 376-451 CE wished to be see by their subjects.
    [Show full text]
  • H Whii 'Trensmit Genuine Historical Tradition Of
    THE AGE OF THE GUPTAS 155 empire In this respect, the Gupta age particularly stands as a ' n:'< great landmark. Taken altogether, the abundance and quality of cultural achievement under the Guptas justify the appeUation CHAPTER VI 'Golden age of Indian Siatonj' applied to V. I ■ •> .. Sources The task of the Gupta historian is not.difficult as he THE AGE OF THE GUPTAS is not confronted with the paucity of historical raw materials. He has abundant and hiabl.t reliable materials made available by the aeholarlv labour of indologists both Oriental and Occidental. The (300—600 A.D.) indigenous literary and archaeological materials are happily supplemented and corroborated by the aecounts lett by the foreign ers By a careful analysis of these materials it would be possible to The history of ancient India enters upon a new epoch air reconstruct the history of the Guptas in its true perspective. epoch of spectacular achievements in all spheres of life, with' the' "jiidi<'enous literature throws welcome light on the history of foundation fif the Gupta dynasty .in the early part of the 4th century A.D7> <;The Gupta_ period,", writes L. D. Barnett, **is in- theh fJiintas whii Among 'trensmit the literary genuine sources historical mention tradition may be madeOf theof the annals of classical India almost what the periclean age is in eio-hteeii major Purantis. BrahnmniUi, Tayu, Matsya suA Yishmt. the history of Greece.".; To this R. N. Salctore adds : "What the ar°c important for this period. They provide information regarding Elizabethan and Stuaft periods were in the pages of British history,; the extent of the Gupta empire and its provinces.
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter 1 Glorious India (Bharat)
    www.rbse.online Chapter 1 Glorious India (Bharat) - Beginning to 1206 AD From the earliest period, the history and Ramayana and the Mahabharata have been culture oflndia (Bharat) has been prestigious. India renowned texts representing the ideals and policies (Bharat) was known as the 'World Guru' and the oflndia (Bharat). Our Mahajanapada age has been 'Golden Sparrow'. Accepting the world as family the ideal ofRepublican and Constitutional system. (Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam) and praying for the Existence of various Janapadas is evident in Post welfare and good health of mankind (Sarve Vedic period. By this time, iron was extensively Bhavantu Sukhinah Sarv Santu Niramayah) are our used in Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Western Bihar. ideals. The technique of using iron significantly transformed the lifestyle of people and as a result, On the basis of excavations and tendency of sedentary life settlement consolidated archaeological remains Indian (Bhartiya) culture in the society. Development of agriculture, appears to be ofuniversal nature. Indian (Bhartiya) industries, trade and commerce was instrumental in regions across sea were known as 'Dipantar'. the decline of the ancient tribal system and small Indians (Bhartiyas) travelling on powerful ships Janapadas were replaced by large Janapadas. With established their political and cultural empire by the advent of 6th century BC, Janapadas were travelling to Brahmadesh, Siam, Indonesia, evoloved in the form ofMahajanapadas. Malaysia, Australia, Borneo, Phillipines, Japan and Korea. The ports and naval power of ancient India In the beginning of the 6th century BC, (Bharat) were highly developed. Scholars have sovereign rule was completely absent in North mentioned about ships, sailing in the waters of India (Bharat).
    [Show full text]
  • The Banskhera Inscription Contains the Signature of Harsha.  the Aihole Inscription Mentions the War Between Harsha and Pulakesin II
    Chapter 10: HARSHAVARDHANA (606 – 647 A.D.) Chapter 10: HARSHAVARDHANA (606 – 647 A.D.) Introduction The decline of the Gupta Empire was followed by a period of political disorder and disunity in North India. It was only in the beginning of the seventh century A.D. that Harshvardhana succeeded in establishing a larger kingdom in north India. The chief sources for tracing the history of Harsha and his times are the Harshacharita written by Bana and the Travel accounts of Hiuen Tsang. Bana was the court poet of Harsha. Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang))was the Chinese traveller who visited India in the seventh century A.D. Besides these two sources, the dramas written by Harsha, namely Ratnavali, Nagananda and Priyardarsika also provide useful information. The Madhuben plate inscription and the Sonpat inscription are also helpful to know the chronology of Harsha. The Banskhera inscription contains the signature of Harsha. The Aihole inscription mentions the war between Harsha and Pulakesin II. Chapter 10: HARSHAVARDHANA (606 – 647 A.D.) Introduction Chapter 10: HARSHAVARDHANA (606 – 647 A.D.) Introduction The founder of the family of Harsha was Pushyabhuti. Pushyabhutis were the feudatories of the Guptas. They called themselves Vardhanas. After the Hun invasions they assumed independence. The first important king of Pushyabhuti dynasty was Prabhakaravardhana. His capital was Thaneswar, north of Delhi. He assumed the title Maharajadhiraja and Paramabhattaraka. Chapter 10: HARSHAVARDHANA (606 – 647 A.D.) Introduction After Prabhakaravardhana’s death, his elder son Rajyavardhana came to the throne. He had to face problems right from the time of his accession. His sister, Rajyasri had married the Maukhari ruler called Grihavarman.
    [Show full text]
  • Lesson – 11 the New Empires and Kingdoms
    LESSON – 11 THE NEW EMPIRES AND KINGDOMS THE DECLINE OF KUSHANAS Kushanas rulers are recorded for a period of about three centuries, from circa 30 CE, to circa 375 CE, until the invasions of the Kidarites. They ruled around the same time as the Western Satraps, the Satavahanas, and the first Gupta Empire rulers. THE GUPTA EMPIRE Gupta Empire – Chandragupta I (320 – 335 AD) Was the son of Ghatotkacha. Acquired the strategically important Magadha kingdom on marriage to a Lichchhavi princess Kumaradevi. He extended his kingdom through conquests. His territory extended from the Ganges River to Prayaga by 321 AD. He issued coins in the joint names of his queen and himself. He assumed the title of Maharajadhiraja (great king of kings). He was successful in building a small principality into a great kingdom. He is considered the first great king of the Gupta Empire. Gupta Empire – Samudragupta (335 – 380 AD) Son of Chandragupta I and Kumaradevi. Was a military genius and was successful in adding many territories into the Gupta Empire. The Allahabad inscription describes his bravery as composed by his court poet, Harisena. There it is said that he defeated nine kings of the Ganges Valley, twelve kings from the southern region, and eighteen forest tribes. His region extended from the Himalayas in the north to the Krishna and Godavari Rivers in the south; and from Balkh (Afghanistan) in the west to Brahmaputra River in the east. He was a follower of Vaishnavite Hinduism but was tolerant of other faiths. He gave permission to the king of Sri Lanka, Meghavarna to build a monastery in Bodh Gaya.
    [Show full text]