History (Ancient India History :- Harshavardhana (606 – 647 AD))

Ancient India History :- Harshavardhana (606 – 647 AD)

 *After Gupta’s decline, Harshavardhana, a ruler of Thanesar, Haryana extended his authority over all fiduciaries

 *Harshavardhana made Kannauj his capital & seat of power & became last great Hindu ruler of North India

 *In his early life, Harsha was devoted to Shiva but later he became an ardent Mahayana Buddhist under the influence of Chinese pilgrim Huan Tsang

Kannauj Assembly → Harsha organised a Kannauj assembly to honour Chinese pilgrim Huan Tsang where he explained doctrines of Mahayana Buddhism & claimed his superiority over others

Prayag Assembly → 2nd Mahayana Buddhism assembly by Harsha, marked by great charity of Harsha where he even gave up his cloths as charity

 *Revenue collection during Harsha’s period was divided into 4 parts namely 

 *1 For kings

 *2 For Scholars

 *3 For officials

 *4 For Religious purposes
  
Banskhera inscriptions contains sign & conquest of Harshavardhana

Huan Tsang Account

 *Book → Si – Yu – Ki and Biography  → Hui – Li

 *Prevalent dowry & Sati system with no system of widow remarriage

 *Sudras were known as agriculturist

 *Trade declined & less issuance of coins

 *Grants of land gained popularity

 *Thieves at state were met with extreme punishments

Literary Sources

Banabhatta :- Harshacharita , Kadambari

Harshavardhana :- Ratnavali, Nagananda, Priyadarsika

 *Harsha patronised Nalanda university (Mahayana type mostly), which attained international reputation as a center of learning during his reign

 *At Valabhi lied Hinyana form of Buddhism Institution

 *Nalanda (Giver of knowledge) name was founded by Kumargupta – 1 in Gupta period