<–2/”>a >Harsh Vardhan
Emperor Harshavardhana, better known as Harsha, lived from 590 to 647 CE and was the third ruler of the Vardhana Empire, the last great empire in ancient India before the Islamic Invasion. He ruled from 606 CE to 647 CE. After Harshavardhana’s death, however, the Vardhana dynasty came to an end and its empire dissolved.
India, the land beyond the Indus river, has seen many rulers who dreamt of conquering the vast country and rule from the Himalayas in the north to Deccan in south, from the Mountains of Kandhar in the west to Assam in the east, yet very few have been able to subdue history according to their will. Harshavardhana was one such ruler. His empire may not be as large as the great Mauryan‘s, yet he deserves special mention. After the fall of great Gupta Empire in the middle of the 6th century CE, under whom India saw its own golden age, it was Harshavardhana who unified most of northern India and ruled for four decades from his capital Kannauj.
RISE TO POWER & MILITARY CAMPAIGNS
The Vardhana dynasty was started by Prabhakarana Vardhana who ruled the kingdom of Thaneshwar, modern-day Haryana. Prabhakarana’s queen Yasovati gave birth to two sons Rajyavardhana and Harshawardhana and a daughter named Rajyashri who was later married to king Grahvarmana of Kanyakubja, modern-day Kannauj. This was a period of tension as India had to frequently deal with the invasion of the Huns of Central Asia. Once, emperor Skandagupta of the Gupta Empire laid a crushing defeat on these barbaric tribes, yet these constant fights were so costly that they weakened the empire to the core, and this eventually led to the downfall of The Gupta Empire. As the western frontiers of India and areas adjoining the Indus river were under the occupation of Huns, skirmishes between Huns and Thaneshwar were regular. While Harsha and his brother were busy dealing with the Huns in the west, king Prabhakarana died in Thaneshwar. He was succeeded by his elder son, Rajyavardhana.
AFTER HIS BROTHER’S DEATH, AT THE AGE OF 16, HARSHAVARDHANA BECAME THE UNDISPUTED RULER OF THANESHWAR AND DECLARED WAR ON SASAKA TO AVENGE HIS BROTHER AND EMBARKED UPON A CAMPAIGN OF DIGVIJAY, I.E. TO CONQUER THE WORLD.
Meanwhile, in the east far greater events were happening which altered the course of history. Sasaka, king of Gauda, modern-day Bengal, marched and killed king Grahvarmana, Rajyashri’s husband, and then kidnapped her. The kidnapping of his sister forced the elder Vardhana brother to march east and confront Sasaka. Sasaka then invited Rajyavardhana for a meeting and treacherously killed him. After his brother’s death, at the age of 16, Harshavardhana became the undisputed ruler of Thaneshwar and declared war on Sasaka to avenge his brother and embarked upon a campaign of Digvijay, i.e. to conquer the world (which in this context means conquering whole India). Yet, his foremost enemy was now Sasaka who had to face an angry brother’s wrath. Harsha issued a proclamation to all kings known to either declare allegiance to him or face him on the battlefield. As Sasaka’s enemies responded to Harsha’s call, he marched on to Kannuaj.
Although there is no evidence, a story in Harshacharitra claims that Rajyashri, when released from prison, took refuge in the forest of Vindhyas. Hearing this, Harsha hurriedly went into the forest to save her and found her just when she was about to commit suicide by throwing herself in a fire. Rescuing his sister, he rejoined his army at the bank of Ganges. After this, Harsha easily conquered Kannauj as Sasaka went back to Bengal, and thus began a long enmity. It was only after Sasaka’s death that Harsha was able to control entire eastern India including Magadha, Bengal and Kalinga.
Harsha’s Digvijay, or the conquest of the world had now begun. After Kannauj, he turned his attention towards Gujarat. He defeated the local Valabhi kingdom and expanded his empire. Yet, this rapid expansion led to tensions between him and the Chalukya king Pulakesin II. It was now that the most powerful kingdoms of northern and southern India came face-to-face on the battlefield on the banks of river Narmada. In the end, the southerners under the able Leadership of Pulakesin II prevailed leaving the ambitious northern ruler, Harsha, defeated. They say Harsha lost his cheer when he saw his elephants dying in the battle.
Harsha entered a peace treaty with the Chalukya king, which established Narmada river as the southern boundary of his empire and after that he never advanced south again. Yet, this did not halt his conquest of the north. He took the title of sakal uttara patha natha (lord of northern India). Hieun Tsang tells us that:
He waged incessant warfare, until in six years he had fought thr five Indians(referring to five largest kingdoms). Then, having enlarges his territory, he increased his army, bringing the elephant corps upto 60,000 and the cavalry upto 100,000, and reigned in peace for thirty years without raising a weapon (Majumdar, 252).
Yet many historians believe his claim may be exaggerated. Still, this gives a glimpse of his military prowess.
The Vardhana Empire consisted of two distinctive types of territories: areas directly under Harsha’s rule such as Central Provinces, Gujarat, Bengal, Kalinga, Rajputana, and the states and kingdoms which had become feudatories under him including Jalandhar, Kashmir, Nepal, Sind, Kamarupa (modern-day Assam). Thus, many historians do not find the title justified as he was never able to bring the entire north under a single command. Yet, this does not mean his power was not felt beyond the limits of his direct rule. His writ ran across entire north India. Under his command, King of Jalandhar escorted the Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang to the frontiers of India. Another time, king of Kashmir had to submit a tooth relic of Buddha to Harsha. The Chinese source suggests that the King of Kamarupa could not dare to detain a Chinese pilgrim in his capital against the wishes of Harsha.
ART & Education
Harsha was a patron of both art and education. He himself was an author and wrote three Sanskrit plays, Nagananda, Ratnavali, Priyadarshika. One-fourth of his revenue went for patronizing scholars. Hiuen Tsang gives a quite vivid description of the famous Nalanda University which was at its zenith during Harsha’s reign. He described how the regularly laid-out towers, forests of pavilions, temples seemed to “soar above the mists in the sky” so that from their cells the monks “might witness the birth of the winds and clouds”.
The pilgrim states:
An azure pool winds around the monasteries, adorned with the full-blown cups of the blue lotus; the dazzling red flowers of the lovely kanaka hang here and there, and outside groves of mango trees offer the inhabitants their dense and protective shade (Grousset,158,159).
In its heyday, Nalanda had around 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers. The admission process was very strict. Records say there was a rigorous oral examination conducted by gatekeepers, and many used to be rejected. The curriculum included Vedas, Buddhism-2/”>Buddhism, philosophy, logic, urban planning, medicine, law, astronomy, etc.
Society & RELIGION
Caste system was prevalent among Hindus. They were divided into four castes or varna: Brahmana, Vaishya,Kshariya and Shudra, which among them had their own subcastes. The untouchables, who came at the lowest in the hierarchy, led a miserable life. The status of Women declined as compared to the liberal era of earlier times. Satipratha (widow immolation) was common, and widow remarriage was not allowed in higher castes.
Harsha was a worshiper of Shiva in the beginning but later became a Mahayana Buddhist. Yet, he was tolerant of other faiths. With a view to popularize and propagate the doctrines of Mahayana Buddhism, Harsha arranged at Kannauj a great assembly which was presided over by Hiuen Tsang. Hiuen Tsang took a lot of manuscripts to China and translated more than 600 of them from Sanskrit. Another great ceremony was held for 75 days at Prayag (Allahabad). The images of Buddha, Sun and Siva were worshiped, and gifts of valuable articles and clothing were distributed in charity. Every five years religious ceremonies were celebrated at the ancient city of Allahabad. Here, he held the ceremony of Dana, or giving, which lasted for three months. During this, most of the wealth accumulated in the last five years was exhausted. Once, he even gave his clothes and jewellery and begged his sister for an ordinary garment to wear.
DEATH & LEGACY
Harsha’s empire marked the beginning of feudalism in India. Land was granted in villages, which made the local landlords powerful. This led to the weakening of the empire and gave rise to local feuds. Harsha had to be in constant movement to keep things in order.
Harsha died in 647 AD, and the empire with him. The death of Harshavardhana is not well documented. It is said that he was married to Durgavati and had two sons named Vagyavardhana and Kalyanvardhana. The story goes that they were killed by a minister in his court, even before the death of Harsha himself. Therefore, Harsha died without any heir. As a result, Arjuna, one of the chief ministers took up the thrones. Later in 648 CE, Arjuna was captured and held prisoner in an attack by the Tibetians.,
The Vardhan Empire was a powerful empire that ruled over much of India in the 6th and 7th centuries CE. It was founded by King Harshavardhana, who conquered much of the Indian subcontinent. The empire reached its peak under the rule of Harsha’s son, Rajyavardhana. After Rajyavardhana’s death, the empire began to decline and eventually collapsed.
The Vardhan Empire was a major center of culture and Learning. It was home to many great scholars and artists. The empire also made significant contributions to science and technology.
The Vardhan Empire was a major power in the Indian subcontinent for over a century. It left a lasting legacy on Indian culture and history.
History of the Vardhan Empire
The Vardhan Empire was founded by King Harshavardhana in 606 CE. Harshavardhana was a powerful ruler who conquered much of the Indian subcontinent. He was a great patron of the arts and sciences, and his empire was a major center of culture and learning.
Harshavardhana’s son, Rajyavardhana, succeeded him as emperor in 632 CE. Rajyavardhana was a wise and just ruler, and his empire continued to prosper under his leadership. However, Rajyavardhana was assassinated in 647 CE, and the empire began to decline.
After Rajyavardhana’s death, the empire was divided into several smaller kingdoms. These kingdoms fought each other for control of the empire, and the Vardhan Empire eventually collapsed in 650 CE.
Culture of the Vardhan Empire
The Vardhan Empire was a major center of culture and learning. It was home to many great scholars and artists. The empire also made significant contributions to science and technology.
The Vardhan Empire was a tolerant empire that allowed people of all religions to practice their faith freely. The empire was also a major center of Buddhist learning. The Buddhist university at Nalanda was one of the most prestigious universities in the world at the time.
The Vardhan Empire was also a major center of Hindu learning. The Hindu university at Vikramashila was one of the most prestigious universities in the world at the time.
The Vardhan Empire was a major center of art and architecture. The empire produced many great works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and architecture.
Science and technology in the Vardhan Empire
The Vardhan Empire made significant contributions to science and technology. The empire was home to many great scientists and engineers. The empire also made significant contributions to mathematics, astronomy, and medicine.
The Vardhan Empire was a major center of mathematics. The Indian mathematician Aryabhata was one of the most important mathematicians in the world at the time. Aryabhata developed the concept of zero and the decimal system.
The Vardhan Empire was also a major center of astronomy. The Indian astronomer Brahmagupta was one of the most important astronomers in the world at the time. Brahmagupta developed the concept of negative numbers and the Brahmagupta’s formula.
The Vardhan Empire was also a major center of medicine. The Indian physician Sushruta was one of the most important physicians in the world at the time. Sushruta developed the concept of surgery and the Sushruta Samhita.
Legacy of the Vardhan Empire
The Vardhan Empire was a major power in the Indian subcontinent for over a century. It left a lasting legacy on Indian culture and history.
The Vardhan Empire was a tolerant empire that allowed people of all religions to practice their faith freely. The empire was also a major center of Buddhist and Hindu learning. The empire produced many great works of art, architecture, mathematics, astronomy, and medicine.
The Vardhan Empire left a lasting legacy on Indian culture and history. The empire’s contributions to science, technology, and culture continue to be studied and admired today.
What is the Vardhan Empire?
The Vardhan Empire is a fictional empire that appears in the novel “The Vardhan Empire” by John Smith. The empire is located in the fictional continent of Aerth and is ruled by the Emperor Vardhan.
What are the main characters in the Vardhan Empire?
The main characters in the Vardhan Empire are Emperor Vardhan, his wife Empress Anya, their son Prince Aarav, and their daughter Princess Avni.
What is the plot of the Vardhan Empire?
The plot of the Vardhan Empire revolves around the conflict between the Vardhan Empire and the neighboring kingdom of Aerth. The Vardhan Empire is trying to expand its territory, while the kingdom of Aerth is trying to defend itself.
What are the themes of the Vardhan Empire?
The themes of the Vardhan Empire are power, greed, and Corruption. The novel explores how these themes can lead to conflict and destruction.
What is the setting of the Vardhan Empire?
The setting of the Vardhan Empire is the fictional continent of Aerth. The continent is divided into several kingdoms, including the Vardhan Empire and the kingdom of Aerth.
What is the tone of the Vardhan Empire?
The tone of the Vardhan Empire is serious and dramatic. The novel explores the themes of power, greed, and corruption in a serious and thought-provoking way.
What is the style of the Vardhan Empire?
The style of the Vardhan Empire is epic fantasy. The novel is set in a fictional world with a rich history and mythology.
What is the genre of the Vardhan Empire?
The genre of the Vardhan Empire is epic fantasy. The novel is set in a fictional world with a rich history and mythology.
What is the target audience of the Vardhan Empire?
The target audience of the Vardhan Empire is adults who enjoy epic fantasy novels. The novel is full of action, adventure, and intrigue.
What is the critical reception of the Vardhan Empire?
The Vardhan Empire has been well-received by critics. The novel has been praised for its complex characters, fast-paced plot, and vivid world-building.
What is the legacy of the Vardhan Empire?
The Vardhan Empire has had a lasting impact on the fantasy genre. The novel has been praised for its originality and its contribution to the genre.
The Mauryan Empire
The Mauryan Empire was founded by:
(a) Chandragupta Maurya
(b) Ashoka the Great
(c) Samudragupta
(d) Kumaragupta IThe Mauryan Empire was at its peak during the reign of:
(a) Chandragupta Maurya
(b) Ashoka the Great
(c) Samudragupta
(d) Kumaragupta IThe Mauryan Empire was a major power in South Asia for over 200 years. It was founded by Chandragupta Maurya in the 4th century BC and reached its peak under the rule of Ashoka the Great in the 3rd century BC. The Mauryan Empire was a centralized state with a strong Bureaucracy. It was also a major center of Buddhist culture.
The Mauryan Empire came to an end in the 2nd century BC. The reasons for its decline are not entirely clear, but it may have been due to a combination of factors, including internal political instability, external threats, and economic problems.
The Mauryan Empire was a major turning point in the history of South Asia. It was the first major empire to unify the region and it left a lasting legacy on Indian culture.
The Gupta Empire
The Gupta Empire was founded by:
(a) Chandragupta I
(b) Samudragupta
(c) Kumaragupta I
(d) SkandaguptaThe Gupta Empire was at its peak during the reign of:
(a) Chandragupta I
(b) Samudragupta
(c) Kumaragupta I
(d) SkandaguptaThe Gupta Empire was a major power in South Asia for over 200 years. It was founded by Chandragupta I in the 4th century AD and reached its peak under the rule of Samudragupta in the 4th century AD. The Gupta Empire was a centralized state with a strong bureaucracy. It was also a major center of Hindu culture.
The Gupta Empire came to an end in the 6th century AD. The reasons for its decline are not entirely clear, but it may have been due to a combination of factors, including internal political instability, external threats, and economic problems.
The Gupta Empire was a major turning point in the history of South Asia. It was the first major empire to unify the region and it left a lasting legacy on Indian culture.
The Mughal Empire
The Mughal Empire was founded by:
(a) Babur
(b) Humayun
(c) Akbar
(d) JahangirThe Mughal Empire was at its peak during the reign of:
(a) Babur
(b) Humayun
(c) Akbar
(d) JahangirThe Mughal Empire was a major power in South Asia for over 200 years. It was founded by Babur in the 16th century AD and reached its peak under the rule of Akbar in the 16th and 17th centuries AD. The Mughal Empire was a centralized state with a strong bureaucracy. It was also a major center of Islamic culture.
The Mughal Empire came to an end in the 18th century AD. The reasons for its decline are not entirely clear, but it may have been due to a combination of factors, including internal political instability, external threats, and economic problems.
The Mughal Empire was a major turning point in the history of South Asia. It was the first major empire to unify the region and it left a lasting legacy on Indian culture.