CHAPTER-27 : Harsha and His Times
Ancient History of India
OLD NCERT
Short Notes or Revision Notes
North India After the Guptas
Power Vacuum and Rise of Regional Kingdoms (Mid-6th Century CE Onwards)
- The Gupta Empire’s decline led to a fragmented North India with several kingdoms.
- White Huns dominated Kashmir, Punjab, and Western India (500 CE onwards).
- Thanesar Dynasty (Haryana) rose to prominence under Harshavardhana (606-647 CE).
Harshavardhana’s Reign (606-647 CE)
- Made Kanauj his capital and expanded his control across North India.
- Pataliputra lost importance, marking a shift towards the feudal age.
- Sources for Harsha’s reign: Harshacharita (by Banabhatta, court poet) and accounts of Xuan Tsang (Chinese pilgrim).
- Known for various taxes and administrative officials.
- Not a staunch Hindu or ruler of entire India; controlled North India excluding Kashmir.
- Direct control over Rajasthan, Punjab, UP, Bihar, and Orissa.
- Faced opposition in East India from Shaivite king Shashanka of Gauda (ended 619 CE).
- Southern expansion halted at Narmada River by Chalukya king Pulakeshin II.
Harshavardhana’s Administration
Transitional Period (7th Century CE)
- Harsha’s reign bridged the gap between Gupta Empire and the medieval era.
- Administration resembled the Guptas but with a more decentralized, feudal structure.
- Military: Possessed a large army with 100,000 horses and 60,000 elephants (according to Xuan Tsang).
Revenue and Land Grants
- Revenue divided into four parts: king’s expenses, scholars, officials, and religious purposes.
- High officials received land grants, possibly marking the beginning of this feudal practice.
Importance of Xuan Tsang’s Visit (629-645 CE)
- Provided valuable information on Harsha’s court, social life, and religious sects.
- Contrasted Pataliputra’s decline with the rise of Kanauj and Prayag.
- Observed social hierarchy: Shudras as agriculturists and untouchables’ living conditions.
Buddhism in Nalanda during Harshavardhana’s Reign (c. 606-647 CE)
- Fragmentation of Buddhism: By 7th century CE, Buddhism had divided into 18 sects.
- Nalanda University: A renowned Buddhist university focused on Mahayana teachings.
- Student Population:
- 7th century CE (Xuanzang): 10,000 monks
- 670 CE (Yijing): 3,000 monks
- Monastery Support:
- Xuanzang: Revenue from 100 villages
- Yijing: Revenue from 200 villages
- Harshavardhana’s Role:
- Originally Shaiva, later a patron of Buddhism.
- Convened assemblies to promote Mahayana Buddhism:
- Kanauj assembly
- Prayag assembly with Xuanzang’s participation
- Literary contributions (authorship debated):
- Priyadarshika
- Ratnavali
- Nagananda
- Student Population: