Test: Harshavardhan & The Southern Dynasties - UPSC MCQ

The Vardhana Dynasty succeeded the Gupta Empire in India. It emerged as a major power in North India during the 6th century CE.

The founder of the Vardhana Dynasty was Pushyabhuti. He established his rule in Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh.

Harsha, the ruler of the Vardhana Dynasty, is known for his support of Buddhism. He patronized Buddhist monasteries and promoted the spread of Buddhism.

The capital city of the Vardhana Dynasty was Kannauj. It served as the political and cultural center of the empire.

Hiuen Tsang or Xuanzang was a chinese buddhist monk who travelled over land from China to India during the reign of King Harsha Vardhan to obtain Buddhist scriptures.

Harsha's most significant military success was the annexation of Magadha, which added to the territorial expansion of his empire.

Harsha's play, "Nagananda," was written in Sanskrit. It is one of the earliest extant Sanskrit plays.

Xuanzang, the famous Chinese pilgrim, described the reign of Harsha in detail in his travel accounts. His writings provide valuable insights into the political and cultural aspects of the Vardhana Dynasty.

Harsha organized the Prayag Mahasabha, a religious assembly held at Prayag (modern-day Allahabad). It attracted scholars, philosophers, and religious leaders from different parts of India.

During Harsha's reign, there was significant cultural development and patronage of art. Literature, sculpture, and painting flourished, contributing to the overall artistic growth of the period.

Xuanzang visited India during the 7th century. His journey provided valuable information about the social, cultural, and political conditions of the time.

The Gupta king who had to face the first Huna invasion was Kumaragupta I. His reign lasted for 40 years between CE 415 – 455 and was one of the last great emperors of the Gupta Dynasty. He was successful in defeating the Huns and performed the Ashvamedha to celebrate his victory. 

Harsha was the ruler of Kannauj, which was located in North India. Kannauj served as the political and administrative center of the Vardhana Dynasty.

The Chalukya Dynasty was a contemporary dynasty of the Vardhana Dynasty. Both dynasties coexisted during the same period in different regions of India.

The primary text that provides detailed information about the Vardhana Dynasty is the Harshacharita. It is a biography of Harsha, written by the poet Banabhatta.

Kalidasa, the renowned Sanskrit poet and playwright, was not a part of Harsha's court. However, Bana, Ravikirti, and Dharmapala were notable figures associated with Harsha's court.

Pulakesin II, the Chalukya king, defeated Harsha in a military confrontation, leading to the decline of the Vardhana Dynasty. This marked the end of Harsha's empire.

Hinduism was the predominant religion during Harsha's reign. Although Harsha himself was a patron of Buddhism, Hinduism remained the dominant faith among the majority of the population.

The Vardhana Dynasty ruled over North India, with Kannauj as its capital. It had significant control and influence in the northern regions of the Indian subcontinent.

The decline of the Vardhana Dynasty can be attributed to various factors, including weak successors who lacked the leadership qualities of Harsha, invasions by the Hunas, and internal conflicts among regional powers. These factors collectively led to the disintegration of the empire.