Harshavardhana was the king of Thanesar, which is located in present-day Haryana, India. He was a ruler of the Vardhana dynasty, which had its origins in the region of Punjab in the 6th century CE. Harshavardhana is considered as one of the greatest rulers of ancient India, who ruled from 606 to 647 CE.

Background and Early Life:

Harshavardhana was born in 590 CE, in a royal family in Thanesar. His father, Prabhakarvardhana, was the king of Thanesar and his mother, Yasovati, was a queen of the region. Harshavardhana was the third son of Prabhakarvardhana and was educated in the Vedas, Sanskrit, and other important subjects of that time.

Rise to Power:

After the death of his father, Harshavardhana became the king of Thanesar in 606 CE. He was a brilliant ruler who expanded his kingdom through conquest and diplomacy. He defeated the king of Kannauj and established his control over the region. He also conquered several other regions of northern India, including Kashmir, Punjab, and parts of Central Asia.

Administration:

Harshavardhana was a patron of the arts and literature. He was a great writer himself and wrote three plays in Sanskrit, Nagananda, Ratnavali, and Priyadarshika. He was a follower of Buddhism but also supported other religions like Hinduism and Jainism. He established several monasteries and temples in his kingdom and was known for his religious tolerance.

Legacy:

Harshavardhana was a great ruler who brought stability and prosperity to his kingdom. He was a patron of arts, literature, and religion, and his reign is considered as a golden age of Indian history. He was succeeded by his younger brother, Kumaragupta II, but the Vardhana dynasty declined after his death.

Conclusion:

Harshavardhana was a great ruler of ancient India who ruled from Thanesar. He was a patron of arts, literature, and religion and expanded his kingdom through conquest and diplomacy. His reign is considered as a golden age of Indian history, and his legacy is still remembered today.