Banabhatta was the court poet of Harshavardhana, who was a prominent ruler of the Indian subcontinent in the 7th century CE.

Harshavardhana's reign:

- Harshavardhana ruled from 606 to 647 CE and was a member of the Pushyabhuti dynasty.
- He was known for his military conquests and patronage of the arts and literature.
- Harshavardhana's empire extended over much of northern India, including present-day Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.

Banabhatta's life and works:

- Banabhatta was a Sanskrit scholar and poet who lived during the 7th century CE, around the same time as Harshavardhana.
- He was born in a Brahmin family and was the son of Chitrabhanu, who was a poet and scholar himself.
- Banabhatta is best known for his literary works, including the historical epic "Harshacharita" ("The Life of Harsha") and the romantic play "Pratijna-Yaugandharayana" ("The Vow of Yaugandharayana").
- "Harshacharita" is a biography of Harshavardhana and describes his life, accomplishments, and patronage of the arts and literature.
- The work is considered an important historical source as it provides insights into the political and cultural landscape of ancient India.

Conclusion:

Banabhatta was a court poet of Harshavardhana, a prominent ruler of northern India during the 7th century CE. Banabhatta's most famous work, "Harshacharita," is a biography of Harshavardhana and provides valuable insights into the political and cultural landscape of ancient India.

Harshavardhana was a Pushyabhuti emperor who ruled northern India from 606 to 647 CE. He was the son of Prabhakaravardhana who had defeated the Alchon Hun invaders, and the younger brother of Rajyavardhana, a king of Thanesar, present-day Haryana.