King Harshavardhana - Delhi Police Constable PDF Download

Introduction

To understand the reign of King Harshavardhana, scholars rely on a variety of literary and archaeological sources that provide glimpses into his life and times. These sources include:

• Bana's Harshacharita: The esteemed court poet Banabhatta composed the biography of King Harshavardhana, titled Harshacharita, offering a vivid portrayal of the ruler's achievements and endeavors.
• Hiuen Tsang's Si-yu-ki: Hiuen Tsang, a Chinese traveler who embarked on a remarkable journey to India in the 7th century A.D., chronicled his experiences in the travel account known as Si-yu-ki. In his writings, Hiuen Tsang provides valuable insights into the reign of Harshavardhana.
• King Harshavardhana's Dramas: The king himself played a role in documenting his reign through the composition of notable dramas such as Ratnavali, Nagananda, and Priyadarshika. These dramatic works offer valuable historical and cultural information.
• Inscriptions: The Madhuben plate inscription, Sonpat plate inscriptions, and the Banskhera inscription containing Harsha's signature provide crucial chronological details about King Harshavardhana's rule.

Early Life of King Harshavardhana

King Harshavardhana belonged to the Vardhana dynasty, which rose to prominence following the fall of the Gupta dynasty and the ensuing political disunity in North India. The lineage traces back to Prabhakaravardhana, the founder of the Vardhana dynasty. Rajyavardhana, Harshavardhana's elder brother, initially assumed the throne but was tragically slain by Sasanka, a ruler seeking vengeance for his brother-in-law's death. Harshavardhana succeeded Rajyavardhana as the ruler of Thaneshwar, commencing a reign that would leave an indelible mark on Indian history.

King Harshavardhana's Reign

Under King Harshavardhana's reign, a formidable empire emerged in North India, extending from 606 to 647 A.D. The empire centered around Kanauj, located in the present-day Farrukhabad district of Uttar Pradesh, after the decline of Pataliputra's prominence. King Harshavardhana's rule encompassed vast territories, including Rajasthan, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Orissa, with the exception of Kashmir.

Military Conquests

King Harshavardhana embarked on several military campaigns that shaped the territorial expansion of his empire. His initial conquest was against the ruler Sasanka, whom he defeated, thereby capturing Kannauj. The king then turned his attention towards the Chalukya ruler Pulakesin II, endeavoring to extend his dominion south of the Narmada River. However, the Aihole inscription suggests that Pulakesin II emerged victorious against Harshavardhana. Undeterred, the king pressed forward with his final expedition, triumphing over the kingdom of Kalinga.

Administration under King Harshavardhana

King Harshavardhana's administration exhibited feudal and decentralized characteristics. He diligently conducted inspections throughout his empire, albeit struggling to maintain effective law and order. The land tax levied on the populace amounted to one-sixth of their agricultural produce. Notably, the king prioritized the maintenance of public records, marking a significant feature of his governance. Additionally, he granted lands to priests and officials, a practice that likely commenced during his reign.

The Harshavardhana Dynasty

Following the collapse of the Gupta Empire, the Pushyabhuti dynasty, also known as the Vardhana dynasty, ascended to prominence. Rajyavardhana, Harshavardhana's elder brother, succeeded their father, Prabhakaravardhana. However, it was at the age of 16 that Harshavardhana assumed sole rulership of Thaneshwar. The dynasty reached its zenith under Harshavardhana's reign but faced its eventual decline due to the absence of a suitable heir, leading to the dissolution of the empire.

Society under King Harshavardhana

Examining the social fabric during King Harshavardhana's reign reveals various aspects of the era:

• Position of Women: Unfortunately, the position of women during this period was marred by practices deemed unacceptable by today's standards. The freedom of choice in selecting a husband, known as Swayamvara, diminished. The dowry system became prevalent, and the practice of sati, wherein widows immolate themselves, persisted. Remarriage for widows was also prohibited.
• Varna System: The four-fold division of society, comprising Brahmanas (the privileged class), Kshatriyas (the ruling class), Vysyas (the traders), and Sudras (the agriculturists), played a significant role in Harshavardhana's society.

King Harshavardhana and Buddhism

King Harshavardhana's religious inclinations underwent a transformation throughout his life. Initially, he followed Shaivism but later embraced Hinayana Buddhism, thanks to the influence of the Chinese traveler Hieun Tsang. During his reign, thousands of stupas were erected, and the slaughter of animals for food was prohibited, with severe punishments awaiting those who violated the edict. The king convened assemblies at Kannauj and Prayag, the latter known as the Allahabad assembly, to honor Hieun Tsang and promote the doctrines of Mahayana Buddhism.

Conclusion

King Harshavardhana, the illustrious ruler of North India, holds the distinction of being considered the last great Hindu ruler, despite not being an ardent follower of Hinduism. His reign, characterized by military conquests, cultural patronage, and religious transformation, left an indelible mark on the annals of Indian history. After his demise in 647 A.D., the Vardhana dynasty reached its end, with no suitable heir to carry the torch. Aspiring UPSC candidates will find these NCERT notes invaluable in their quest to master the intriguing era of King Harshavardhana.