Harsha’s Empire

  1. Harsha Vardhana ascended the throne of Thanesar in 606 CE after the death of his brother, Rajyavardhana.
  2. Harsha united the regions of Thanesar, Kannauj, and other territories to establish a strong empire in northern India.
  3. His empire extended from the Himalayas in the north to the Narmada River in the south, and from Bengal in the east to Gujarat in the west.
  4. Kannauj became the political and cultural center of Harsha’s empire.
  5. Harsha’s administration was decentralized but efficient, with local governors overseeing provinces.
  6. He maintained diplomatic relations with foreign powers, including the Chinese Tang dynasty under Emperor Taizong.
  7. The Chinese traveler Xuanzang (Hsuan Tsang) visited Harsha’s court and documented his reign in detail.
  8. Harsha was a patron of art, culture, and literature, promoting Sanskrit literature and Buddhist studies.
  9. He authored three plays: Nagananda, Ratnavali, and Priyardarshika.
  10. Harsha was initially a follower of Shaivism but later adopted Buddhism, becoming a major patron of the religion.
  11. The Kumbh Mela at Allahabad is said to have originated during Harsha’s reign.
  12. Harsha organized large religious assemblies at Prayaga to distribute wealth and promote Buddhism.
  13. Harsha’s military campaigns in the Deccan were unsuccessful due to the resistance of the Chalukya king Pulakeshin II.
  14. The Aihole inscription of Pulakeshin II mentions his victory over Harsha.
  15. Harsha’s reign marked the last major unification of northern India before the rise of the Delhi Sultanate.
  16. The empire’s economy was based on agriculture, with trade and commerce flourishing under Harsha.
  17. Harsha’s administration relied on land revenue as its primary source of income.
  18. Coinage under Harsha featured inscriptions and reflected the influence of Gupta numismatics.
  19. Harsha’s reign witnessed the coexistence of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
  20. The decline of Harsha’s empire after his death in 647 CE was due to the absence of a strong successor.
  21. The rise of regional powers like the Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas, and Pallavas fragmented the political landscape of India.
  22. Harsha’s capital, Kannauj, became a highly contested region among subsequent kingdoms.
  23. His reign marked the transition between the ancient and early medieval periods of Indian history.
  24. Harsha’s court was adorned with scholars like Banabhatta, the author of Harshacharita.
  25. Xuanzang described Harsha as a just and benevolent ruler in his work Si-Yu-Ki.
  26. Harsha’s contributions to religion and culture left a lasting legacy in Indian history.
Category
Post-Gupta and Regional Kingdoms (c. 550–1200 CE)
History of India
Harsha’s Empire was established in which year?
Harsha's capital was located at:
Harsha belonged to which dynasty?
Which famous Chinese traveler visited Harsha’s court?
Harsha’s reign lasted for how many years?
Which text written by Banabhatta details Harsha’s life?
Harsha was defeated by Pulakesin II in which battle?
Which religion did Harsha primarily promote during his rule?
Harsha convened a great religious assembly at which location?
Harsha’s kingdom included which present-day region?
Which title was adopted by Harsha during his reign?
Harsha supported which famous Buddhist university?
The primary source of information about Harsha’s rule is:
Harsha was defeated by Pulakesin II, who belonged to which dynasty?
Harsha’s court poet was:
Harsha’s empire declined after:
Hiuen Tsang described Harsha’s administration in which text?
The Nalanda University during Harsha’s rule was destroyed later by:
Which neighboring region did Harsha fail to annex?
Harsha’s religious tolerance is evident from his support of:
Who succeeded Harsha after his death?
Harsha’s early reign was marked by the death of his elder brother:
Harsha built stupas in honor of which Buddha?
Which river acted as the southern boundary of Harsha’s Empire?
Harsha’s administration is known for promoting:
Harsha’s assembly at Kannauj was attended by which prominent figure?
The Ratnavali, attributed to Harsha, is a:
Harsha’s title "Siladitya" is mentioned in which record?
Harsha provided patronage to which sect of Buddhism?
Harsha ruled over parts of which present-day country besides India?
Harsha’s administration was divided into:
Which type of literature flourished under Harsha’s reign?
The Pushyabhuti dynasty originated in which modern state of India?
Harsha sent an envoy to which Chinese emperor?
The Harsha period is notable for which economic activity?