Ancient History of India : OLD NCERT Short Notes or Revision : CHAPTER-27 : Harsha and His Times (Arora IAS) OLD NCERT Notes (Ancient India)

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.

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.

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