Ancient History of India Series | Lecture 15: Reign of Harshavardhana | GS History by Aadesh Singh

Summary

The script delves into the life and reign of Harshavardhana, a great emperor of ancient India, who despite the fragmentation of Gupta Empire, successfully established a vast empire in North India. It covers his strategic military campaigns, administrative reforms inspired by the Maurya and Gupta eras, and his contributions to culture, religion, and learning, including the renowned Nalanda University. The narrative also touches upon controversies surrounding his caste, his title as the 'Last Great Hindu Emperor of India,' and his legacy of religious tolerance and patronage of arts.

Takeaways

• 😀 Harshavardhana, also known as Harsha, was a great emperor from the Pushyabhuti dynasty who successfully established his empire across North India.
• 🏰 After the Gupta Empire declined, Harsha managed to reunite and rule over smaller kingdoms in North India, earning him the title 'Lord of the North'.
• 👑 Harsha ascended to the throne at a young age after the sudden death of his elder brother, Rajyavardhana, and expanded his kingdom significantly.
• 🤝 He strategically formed alliances, such as a friendship treaty with the king of Kamarupa (Assam), and expanded his empire through military conquests and political marriages.
• 🗺️ Harsha's empire spanned from the Himalayas in the north to the Narmada River in the south, the Arabian Sea in the southwest, Bengal in the southeast, and the Brahmaputra valley in the east.
• 📚 Harsha was a patron of learning, literature, and religion, contributing to the flourishing of education and culture during his reign.
• 🏛️ He was responsible for the construction of several Buddhist stupas along the Ganges River, indicating his support for Buddhism, despite being a Shaiva Hindu.
• 💡 The script mentions the Aihole inscription, which describes the great battle between Harsha and the Chalukya king Pulakesi II, reflecting the military conflicts of the era.
• 🏆 Harsha's reign was marked by efficient administration, including the establishment of a well-organized system of governance that lasted for nearly 40 years.
• 🛡️ His military was vast and well-maintained, with 60,000 infantry, 500 cavalry, and 1,000 war elephants, which played a crucial role in his conquests.
• 🌐 The empire under Harsha experienced a period of stability and cultural renaissance, with the promotion of religious tolerance and support for various religious sects.

Q & A

Who was Harshavardhana, also known as Lord of the North?

Harshavardhana was a great ruler from the Pushyabhuti dynasty who successfully established his empire across North India and was known for his influence in education, literature, religion, and tolerance, earning him the title 'Lord of the North' or 'Sakal Uttarapathe Swami'.

What significant event occurred in the year 605 AD in Harshavardhana's life?

In 605 AD, Harshavardhana's father, Prabhakar Vardhana, passed away unexpectedly, and his mother, Yashovarman, became a sati. During this difficult time, Harshavardhana's uncle, the chief minister Bhanda, had his elder brother Rajyavardhana ascend the throne.

Why was the Thanesar region significant to Harshavardhana's father, Prabhakar Vardhana?

Thanesar was significant because it was located in the present-day Haryana region and was under the rule of Prabhakar Vardhana. It was a strategic location with neighboring regions like Kannauj to the east, Valabhi to the west, Kashmir to the north, and Malwa to the southwest, which were ruled by different dynasties.

What was the impact of Harshavardhana's father's marriage alliance with the king of Kannauj?

The marriage alliance between Prabhakar Vardhana's daughter and the king of Kannauj, belonging to the Maukhari dynasty, significantly increased the prestige of the Thanesar state across North India.

How did Harshavardhana prevent the decline of his empire after the death of his brother Rajyavardhana?

After the sudden death of his brother Rajyavardhana, Harshavardhana, despite being very young, showed great skill and cunning. He prevented his sister from becoming a sati and began a series of battles and victories that eventually led to the expansion and stabilization of his empire.

What was Harshavardhana's strategy to deal with the ruler of Gauda, Shashanka?

Harshavardhana engaged in a series of strategic moves against Shashanka, the ruler of Gauda. He first made a friendship treaty with the king of Kamarupa, then attacked Gauda from two sides, forcing Shashanka to flee and eventually leading to the incorporation of the Gauda empire under Harshavardhana's rule.

What was the administrative system like under Harshavardhana's rule?

Harshavardhana's administration was inspired by the Maurya and Gupta periods, with several reforms. The empire was divided into provinces called 'bhuktis', which were further divided into 'visayas' or districts. Village administration was the smallest unit, and a minimal tax burden was maintained to ensure good governance and control over administrative expenses.

What was the significance of the Aihole inscription in relation to Harshavardhana?

The Aihole inscription provides evidence of a great battle between Harshavardhana and the Chalukya ruler Pulakesi II. It is written in the Kannada script despite being in Sanskrit language and describes Pulakesi's victories over several South Indian kings, including Harshavardhana.

What were the key features of Harshavardhana's social life during his empire?

During Harshavardhana's time, the caste system was modified, with caste becoming an impure reality based on birth, unchangeable after birth. Inter-caste dining and marriage were prohibited with severe penalties. However, there was a decline in the status of women, with practices like sati becoming prevalent, although Harshavardhana saved his sister from this fate.

What was the economic condition like under Harsha's rule, and how did he manage the economy?

Under Harsha, there was a decline in trade and commerce, similar to the Gupta period. To manage the economy, Harsha issued fewer coins and granted land instead of money, which boosted the agrarian economy. The main source of revenue was land revenue, which was given as a share of the crop.

How did Harshavardhana contribute to the field of education and literature?

Harshavardhana himself was an author of three Sanskrit plays: 'Ratnavali', 'Priyadarsika', and 'Nagananda'. He also patronized the renowned poet Banabhatta, who wrote famous works like 'Kadambari' and 'Harsha Charita'. Moreover, Harshavardhana supported the renowned educational institution, Nalanda University, with donations for its maintenance.