HARSHA EMPIRE 

About Harshavardhana

1. Literary Sources

• Harshacharita – A biography of Harsha written by Banabhatta, who was Harsha’s court poet.
• Travel Accounts of Hiuen Tsang – A Chinese traveler who visited India in the 7th century AD and recorded details about Harsha’s empire.
• Dramas by Harsha – Harsha wrote three Sanskrit plays: Ratnavali, Nagananda, and Priyadarshika, which provide insights into his time.

2. Inscriptions

• Madhuben Plate Inscription and Sonpat Inscription – Provide a timeline of Harsha’s rule.
• Banskhera Inscription – Contains Harsha’s own signature, giving historical proof of his reign.

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The Beginning of Harsha’s Empire and His Early Life

• Pushyabhuti Dynasty – Harsha’s family belonged to this dynasty. They were originally under the Guptas but became independent after the Huna invasions.
• Founder of the Dynasty – According to Banabhatta, Pushyabhuti was the first ruler of this dynasty, ruling from Thanesar (modern-day Haryana). However, Harsha’s inscriptions do not mention him.
• First Powerful Ruler – Prabhakaravardhana, Harsha’s father, was the first notable king. His capital was Thanesar, and he took the titles Maharajadhiraja and Paramabhattaraka.
• Threat from the Hunas – During his reign (around 604 AD), the Hunas threatened his kingdom. His son Rajyavardhana led an army against them but had to return when Prabhakaravardhana fell ill.
• Crisis after Prabhakaravardhana’s Death –
  • Malwa King Devagupta killed Harsha’s brother-in-law Grahavarman and imprisoned Harsha’s sister Rajyashri.
  • Rajyavardhana defeated the Malwa king but was later killed by treachery at the hands of Shashanka (Gauda King from Bengal).
  • Harsha became the ruler of Thanesar and his first duty was to rescue his sister and take revenge for his brother’s death.
  • He saved Rajyashri just before she was about to commit suicide (sati).

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Harsha’s Rule and Expansion of His Empire

• Harsha conquered Kannauj and made it his capital.
• He attacked Shashanka of Bengal and took control of Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha.
• He allied with Bhaskaravarman, ruler of Kamarupa (Assam).
• Harsha defeated Dhruvasena of the Maitraka Dynasty (Gujarat) and later formed a truce by marrying his daughter to him.
• He assumed the titles:
  • Uttarapatha Natha – Lord of the North
  • Uttar Pathapati – Ruler of Northern India
• Harsha expanded his rule southwards but was defeated by Pulakesin II (Chalukya ruler) in the Battle of Narmada.
• He was deeply influenced by Hiuen Tsang and even organized a Buddhist Assembly in Kannauj.
• Hiuen Tsang praised Harsha for his justice, generosity, and good governance.
• Harsha ruled until 647 AD and died without an heir, marking the end of the Pushyabhuti dynasty.

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Harsha’s Administration

• Harsha followed Gupta-style administration.
• Village was the basic unit of administration.
• He was a just ruler and often inspected different parts of his empire.
• Government offices became hereditary, meaning sons inherited positions from their fathers. Example: Harisena, who was a Chief Judicial Officer, inherited the post from his father.
• Many officials held multiple roles, such as Harisena, who was also a Kumaramatya (high-ranking official) and Sangrahvigrahika (treasury officer).
• Other important officers:
  • Sreshti – Chief Banker or Merchant
  • Sarthavaha – Leader of merchant caravans
  • Prathama Kulika – Chief craftsman
  • Kayasthas – Head of the scribes
• Records and Archives – The Nilopati archive was maintained to keep government records.

Military

• The army had four divisions: infantry (foot soldiers), cavalry (horsemen), chariots, and elephants.

Taxation

• Land tax was 1/6th of the total produce.
• Taxes were also collected from ports, mines, and tributes from vassal states.

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Society during Harsha’s Rule

• According to Hiuen Tsang, there were various castes and sub-castes, but forced labor was not common.
• Women’s status declined:
  • The practice of Swayamvara (choosing a husband) was no longer followed.
  • Widow remarriage was not allowed.
  • Sati and dowry were common.

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Economy during Harsha’s Time

• Trade and commerce declined compared to the Gupta period.
• Signs of decline:
  • Fewer trade centers.
  • Fewer coins in circulation.
  • Weakened merchant guilds.
• Due to low demand, farmers produced only enough for their local needs, leading to a self-sufficient village economy.
• Economic decline was sharper than during the Gupta period.

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Religion during Harsha’s Rule

• Harsha was secular and supported all religions, but Brahmanism (Hinduism) was dominant.
• He was a Shiva devotee but later converted to Mahayana Buddhism.
• Reforms under Harsha:
  • Banned animal sacrifices.
  • Built thousands of Buddhist stupas and monasteries.
  • Regularly gathered Buddhist monks for discussions.

Kannauj Assembly

• A religious assembly held in Kannauj to honor Hiuen Tsang.
• Representatives of all religious sects were invited.
• Lasted for 23 days, during which Mahayana Buddhism was promoted.
• Violence broke out, and there was an assassination attempt on Harsha, but order was restored.

Allahabad Conference

• Held every 5 years, according to Hiuen Tsang.
• Harsha donated enormous wealth to people of all religious backgrounds.

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Art and Culture under Harsha

• Few surviving examples of art and architecture from Harsha’s period.
• Most structures followed Gupta styles.
• Hiuen Tsang described a tall copper Buddha statue and a multi-storeyed monastery built by Harsha at Nalanda.
• Lakshmana Temple at Sirpur is believed to belong to Harsha’s era.

Harsha as a Patron of Learning

• Harsha supported poets and scholars, including:
  • Banabhatta – Wrote Harshacharita, Kadambari, and Parvatiparinay.
  • Mayura and Matanga Divakara – Other famous scholars.
• Harsha himself wrote three Sanskrit plays: Nagananda, Ratnavali, and Priyadarshika.

Nalanda University

• Founded during the Gupta period by Kumaragupta, but reached its peak during Harsha’s reign.
• Attracted students from India, China, and other Asian countries.
• Subjects taught:
  • Buddhism (both Mahayana and Hinayana traditions)
  • Vedas, logic, grammar, astronomy, medicine, and arts
• Famous teachers: Dingnaga, Dharmapala, Sthiramati, and Silabadhra.