Harshavardhana was a northern Indian ruler who reigned from 606 to 647 CE. He was a member of the Vardhana dynasty and is regarded as one of the most important Indian monarchs of the seventh century AD. He established a vast empire that stretched from northern and northwestern India to the Narmada River in the south. Kannauj was his capital. His reforms and policies were benevolent and always focused on improving his people’s peace and prosperity.

Harshavardhana

• In 590 AD, Harshavardhana was born to King Prabhakaravardhana of Sthaneshwar (Thanesar, Haryana).
• He was a Pushyabhuti, commonly known as the Vardhana dynasty.
• He was a Hindu who converted to Mahayana Buddhism.
• Durgavati was his wife. He has two boys and a daughter.
• His daughter married a Vallabhi monarch, but his sons were murdered by his own minister.
• Following the death of Prabhakara Vardhana, his elder son Rajyavardhana came to the throne.
• Harsha had a sister named Rajyashri, who was married to Kannauj’s King Grahavarman.
• The Gauda monarch, Sasanka, slew Grahavarman and imprisoned Rajyashri.
• This compelled Rajyavardhana to confront Sasanka. However, Sasanka murdered Rajyavardhana.
• This resulted in Harshavardhana, a 16-year-old, ascending to Thanesar’s throne in 606 AD.
• He promised to avenge his brother’s death while also saving his sister.
• For this, he formed an alliance with Kamarupa King Bhaskaravarman. Harsha and Bhaskaravarman go out to confront Sasanka. Sasanka eventually fled for Bengal, and Harsha became the ruler of Kannauj as well.
• The Harshacharita, a prose biography authored by Banabhatta, court poet of King Harshavardhana, and the chronicle of the Chinese traveller Xuanzang are two primary sources of knowledge about the Pushyabhuti kingdom.
• In his writings, Chinese Buddhist traveller Xuanzang commended King Harshavardhana’s actions.

King Harshavardhana

Harshavardhana’s Reign

• One of his first moves was to rush to Kanyakubja and save his sister, who was about to commit sati. Kanauj was eventually taken over by the Pushyabhutis.
• Harsha was successful in uniting many of them under his authority. Punjab and central India were under his power.
• He conquered Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha after Sasanka’s death.
• In Gujarat, he also vanquished the Vallabhi king. (The Vallabhi monarch and Harsha reached an agreement through the marriage of Harsha’s daughter and the Vallabhi king Dhruvabhata.)
• Harsha’s attempts to conquer areas to the south, however, were thwarted when the Chalukya monarch, Pulakesin II, defeated him in 618-619 A.D.
• The Narmada River became Harsha’s southern territorial border as a result of this.
• The Vardhana Empire was divided into two types of territories:
  • those directly under Harsha’s rule, such as the Central Provinces, Gujarat, Bengal, Kalinga, and Rajputana, and
  • those that had become feudatories under him, such as Jalandhar, Kashmir, Nepal, Sind, and Kamarupa (modern-day Assam).
• Harsha had complete control over the feudatories. Harsha’s reign saw the birth of feudalism in India.
• During Harsha’s reign, Hiuen Tsang visited India. He has painted a glowing picture of King Harsha and his realm. He compliments him on his generosity and justice.
• Harsha was a generous supporter of the arts.
• He was a skilled writer in his own right. He is known for his Sanskrit writings Ratnavali, Priyadarshika, and Nagananda.
• Banabhatta was his court poet, and he wrote the Harshacharita, which describes Harsha’s life and actions.
• Harsha gave liberally to Nalanda University.
• He had an excellent tax structure. A quarter of the taxes collected were spent for charitable and cultural causes.
• Harsha was a capable military conqueror and administrator.
• Before the Muslim invasions, Harsha was the last ruler to preside over a wide realm in India.

Empire of Harsha

Administration

• Harshavardhana’s dominion is said to have reminded people of the famous Gupta dominion, as his administration was similar to that of the Gupta Empire.
• There was no slavery in his dominion, and people were free to live their lives as they pleased.
• His empire also took care of the needy by constructing rest houses with all the necessary amenities.
• Harshavardhana is depicted in numerous books as a noble emperor who ensured the happiness of all his subjects.
• He did not levy high taxes on his subjects, and the economy was somewhat self-sufficient.
• His capital, Kannauj (in modern-day Uttar Pradesh), drew artists, poets, religious leaders, and philosophers from all over the world.
• Important officers of Harsha’s administration include:
  • Sreshti (Chief Banker or Merchant)
  • Sarthavaha (Leader of Merchant Caravans)
  • Prathama kulika (Chief Craftsman)
  • Kayasthas (Head of the scribes)
• Bana describes forest guardians called vanapalas. A sarva-palli-pati officer is mentioned (chief of all the villages).
• Inscriptions describe dues such as bhaga, bhoga, kara, and hiranya—terms familiar from previous inscriptions.
• He also kept friendly contacts with the Chinese. He even dispatched an Indian embassy to China, establishing a diplomatic ties between the two countries.
• Xuanzang, a famous Chinese monk and traveler, spent eight years in his empire.
• Harshavardhana amassed a formidable army throughout his reign.
• During the height of his reign, he is said to have had 100,000 cavalry, 50,000 infantry, and 60,000 elephants.
• Furthermore, most of North India was devoid of currency during Harsha’s rule. This indicates that the economy was feudal in nature.
• Independent monarchs, known together as ‘Mahasamantas,’ paid tribute to Harshavardhana and also assisted him by providing military reinforcements. This was critical to the expansion of Harshavardhana’s dominion.
• The Banskhera and Madhuban inscriptions mention the king’s victorious camp, which includes boats, elephants, and horses.
• During Harsha’s reign, trade and commerce had decreased. This is evidenced by the loss of commercial centres, a decrease in the quantity of coinage, and the sluggish activity of merchant guilds.
• When compared to the Gupta period’s economy, there was a dramatic economic fall.

Military Conquests

• Harsha’s most notable military expedition was against Western Chalukya monarch Pulakesin II.
• The specifics of this campaign can be found in both Hiuen Tsang’s chronicles and Pulakesin II inscriptions.
• Harsha marched against the Chalukya monarch in order to expand his dominion south of the Narmada river. Pulakesin defeated Harsha and earned the title of Paramesvara as a result.
• Nepal had accepted Harsha’s rule. Harsha took control of Kashmir, and the ruler paid tribute to him.
• He also maintained friendly connections with Assam’s monarch, Bhaskaravarman.
• Harsha’s last military operation was a triumph against the kingdom of Kalinga in Orissa which cemented his dominance over all of north India.
• He had direct influence over contemporary Rajasthan, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Orissa, as well as outlying states such as Kashmir, Sind, Valabhi, and Kamarupa.

Society

• The society was divided into four classes: Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vysya, and Sudra.
• Brahmins were the most favored members of society, and rulers granted them land grants.
• Women’s standing has fallen since the liberal era of former times.
• Sati was prevalent, and widow remarriage was forbidden in upper castes.
• Swyamvara (the institution of choosing her spouse) has decreased.
• Hiuen Tsang discusses three methods of burying the dead: cremation, river burial, and exposure in the forests.

Religion

• According to inscriptions, the early Pushyabhuti monarchs were Surya worshipers.
• Rajyavardhana was a Buddhist devotee.
• Harshavardhana appears to have been a Shiva devotee who was also interested in Buddhism. Nonetheless, he was accepting of various faiths.
• In order to disseminate and spread Mahayana Buddhist beliefs, Harsha convened a large assembly in Kanyakubja in 643 CE, presided over by Hiuen Tsang.
• Shramanas, Brahmanas, and sectarian devotees are said to have been invited to this magnificent meeting.
• Various subordinate rulers were also present, including those of Assam and Valabhi.
• In addition, religious events were held every five years in the ancient city of Allahabad. He held the Dana ceremony, or gifting ceremony, here for three months.
• During this time, the majority of the wealth amassed during the previous five years was depleted.

Learning and the Arts

• Harsha supported both art and education.
• He was also an author, having written three Sanskrit dramas, Nagananda, Ratnavali, and Priyadarshika.
• The Nagananda tells the story of the bodhisattva Jimutavahana, while Ratnavali and Priyadarshika are love comedies.
• The wording of the Banskhera and Madhuban inscriptions might have been written by the monarch himself.
• The inscription at Banskhera has the king’s signature and demonstrates his calligraphic abilities. According to Bana, the monarch was a skilled lute player.
• Furthermore, Hiuen Tsang describes the prestigious Nalanda University, which was at its peak during Harsha’s reign.
• Nalanda was home to over 10,000 pupils and 2,000 professors.
• Vedas, Buddhism, philosophy, logic, urban planning, medicine, law, astronomy, and other subjects were covered in the curriculum.
• In addition, in the court of Harshavardhana, a famous Indian writer and poet named Banabhatta functioned as the ‘Asthana Kavi’ (chief poet of the realm).

Decline

• Harsha died in 647 CE, having reigned for 41 years.
• His dominion fell quickly after his death since he died without successors.
• Harshavardhan, an effective military leader and skilled administrator, died without heir in 647 CE and is regarded as the last Hindu King to dominate a substantial area of North India.
• Following Harsha’s death in 648 CE, there was a period of political turmoil until the advent of Yashovarman in 715-45 CE.
• Following that, a number of families vied for control of Kanauj.
• The tripartite battle between the Rashtrakutas, Palas, and Gurjara-Pratiharas was a prominent component of the period’s political history.
• As a result, his death marked the end of the Pushyabhuti dynasty and the beginning of Muslim hegemony over North India.

Pushyabhuti dynasty

• ‘Pushyabhuti’ founded the Pushyabhuti Dynasty in Thaneshwar (District Ambala, Haryana).
• The Pushyabhuti Dynasty ruled over Thanesar or Sthaneshwar (Thanesar was its capital).
• During the sixth and seventh centuries, the Pushyabhuti dynasty, also known as the Vardhana dynasty, governed areas of northern India.
• The dynasty reached its pinnacle under its last monarch, Harshavardhana, whose Empire included most of north and northwestern India, reaching as far east as Kamarupa and as far south as the Narmada River.
• According to Xuanzang‘s writings and an 8th-century Buddhist treatise, the Arya-manjushri-mula-kalpa, the dynasty belonged to the Vaishya caste.

Conclusion

King Harshavardhana was the son of Prabhakar Vardhana, the Pushyabhuti or Vardhana Dynasty’s founder. He is regarded as one of the most powerful monarchs of the seventh century. On the death of his brother, Rajyavardhana, he ascended the thrones of Thaneshwar and Kannauj and cemented his reign in northern India. Chinese Buddhist traveler Xuanzang praised King Harshavardhana’s actions in his writings.

Conquests of Harshavardhana reveal that he had followed the policy of Digvijaya. He had ascended the throne of Thanesar in 606 A.D. His ascension to the throne was a period of political turmoil in Pushabhukti House, owing to the sudden death of Rajya Vardhana, elder brother of Harshavardhana, in the hands of Sasanka of Gauda. Harsha`s immediate task after his ascension to the throne was to avenge his enemies. Harsha Vardhana had first outlined the plan of “Digvijaya”, which he readily pursued. Harsha and his feudatories dreamt to conquer distant lands, though campaign against Sasanka was his immediate target. After the conquest of Bengal and eastern India, Harsha Vardhana`s thirst for conquest increased considerably and he devoted himself to the scheme of conquering whole of India and accomplished successful takeovers for a long period of thirty years. The River Narmada was the southern boundary of Harsha`s kingdom.

The military campaigns and conquests of Harsha Vardhana can be categorised into several phases – conquest of Bengal and Eastern India, campaign against western India, the Chalukya War and his war with Sindh. On the northern frontier of his kingdom, Harsha came into contact with Kashmir. Chinese traveler Hieun Tsang has vividly mentioned some of the famous conquests of King Harsha Vardhana in his writings. Some of them are listed here.

Campaign in East India

The primary objective of Harsha`s campaign in East India was to defeat Sasanka and expand his dominion. According to historical accounts such as the Harshacharita and Arya-manju-shri-mul-kalpa, Harsha not only emerged victorious against Sasanka but also conquered several other smaller kingdoms that stood in his path to triumph. Following Sasanka`s demise, Harsha seized control of Gaud. Furthermore, Kamrupa in the east had already come under the influence of King Harsha, as Bhaskarvarman, the ruler of Kamrupa, had willingly accepted Harsha`s authority. Consequently, Harshavardhan`s eastward conquest resulted in forming friendship alliances with numerous kingdoms. The ruler of Magadha, Pundravarmana, also acknowledged Harsha`s supremacy, and even Nalanda, along with Magadha, embraced Harsha`s hegemony. A seal discovered from the region indicated that Ayodhya was under Harshavardhana`s rule. Additionally, Harsha organized the `Mahamoksha Parishad` in Prayag every five years. The novel Ratnawali also mentions the existence of Kosambhi bhukti.

The Battle of Vallabhi

Vallabhi, an empire situated in Gujarat, became the target of Harsha`s military campaign. Dhruvsena II, also known as Dhruv Bhatta, ruled over Vallabhi, and Harsha launched an attack against him, resulting in his defeat. Jay Bhatta III`s writings extensively describe this event. Both Harsha and the Chalukya dynasty had an interest in Vallabhi from a political standpoint. Consequently, Harsha formed a friendly alliance with Dhruvsena II and married his daughter, thereby securing his military forces along the western border. This move effectively limited the expansion of the Chalukyas into northern territories. This diplomatic success proved to be one of Harsha`s most notable achievements.

Campaign in Sindh

Sindh, situated adjacent to Harsha`s kingdom, presented an opportunity for territorial expansion. Banbhatta`s detailed account in the Harshacharita depicts how Harshavardhana treated the king of Sindh with great respect and honor while extracting substantial wealth from him. This war strategy employed by Harshavardhana aided in overcoming the Vardhana dynasty`s longstanding enemy, Sindh. However, Hieun-Tsang`s writings provide conflicting information, describing Sindh as an independent and powerful kingdom. Thus, the exact details of Harsha`s victory over Sindh remain uncertain.

Campaign in Bengal

After Sasanka`s death in 620 AD, Harshavardhana initiated a campaign to conquer a significant portion of Bengal. He achieved supremacy over Samtat, Tamralipti, Karnasuarna, and Pundravardhan. Following the conquest of Bengal, Harshavardhana issued a copper inscription known as the Daanpatra. According to an inscription from Bengal it is probable that the whole of Bengal passed under the rule of Harsha. The discovery of an inscription from Eastern Bengal dated in the Harsha era proves that the region was under the sway of the Kannauj monarch.

War against Chalukyas

Chalukya War of Harsha Vardhana had confined the area of Harsha`s sovereignty. Harsha with the aim of becoming the sole lord of India had projected his campaign against the southern kingdom. But he was confronted with the powerful resistance of Chalukya king Pulakesin II of Vatapi. Hence Harsha Vardhana could not extend the limits of his Empire to the south of the Narmada River. The Chalukya war of Harsha Vardhan destined him as the paramount ruler of north, who had no supremacy over the kingdoms of south India.

Conquests in Deccan India

According to Hieun-Tsang`s writings, Harshavardhana gained control over Jejakbhukti (Bundelk hand), Maneshwarpur (Gwalior), Gurjar, and Ujjain in the Deccan region.

Campaign of Kashmir and Nepal

The accounts of Banbhatta and Hieun-Tsang mention Harshavardhana`s alleged victories over Nepal and Kashmir. According to Hieun-Tsang, Harsha carried the tooth relic of Gautam Buddha from Kashmir to Kannauj and constructed a sangharam there. The prevalence of the Harsha Samvat calendar in Nepal implies that Nepal was under Harshavardhana`s control.

Campaign in Odisha

By 640 AD, Harshavardhana had brought northern and southern parts of Odisha and Kalinga under his dominion. With this triumph, Harshavardhana extended his control over the entire northern India. Consequently, he adopted the title of Shaklotarapathnath. Having consolidated his empire, Harsha implemented his imperialist policies, leading many to consider him the establisher of a vast and unified empire after the Gupta dynasty.

Expansion of Empire by Harshavardhana

Harshavardhana inherited the territories of Delhi, Thaneshwar, and eastern Punjab. While his father, Prabhakar Vardhana, had won a few battles, he had been unable to expand the kingdom`s boundaries. Harsha added Kannauj, extending the boundary of his empire northwards. The Banskheda and Madhuban copper plates reveal that Ahichatra and Shravasti were also part of his empire. Another account states that Harsha assumed the title of Magadhadhiraj in 641 AD, indicating the annexation of Magadha. Hieun-Tsang describes how Munger district was also conquered by Harsha and subsequently donated to Buddhist monks. Moreover, Harshavardhana is said to have annexed Odra (Odisha) and Kongodh (present-day Ganjam), as supported by the donation of 80 villages in Odisha to Buddhist monks, which the monks later refused.

In the south, the boundaries of Harsha`s empire extended up to the Narmada River, beyond which the Chalukyan kingdom began. Additionally, some portions of Vallabhi remained outside Harshavardhana`s control, making it unclear whether he had complete dominion over Gujarat and Saurashtra. However, western Malwa was firmly under Harshavardhana`s rule. While he may have achieved victory over Sindh, he did not incorporate it into his empire. The ruler of Sindh acknowledged Harshavardhana`s supremacy while maintaining his independence. The ruler of Kamrupa, Bhaskarvarman, willingly accepted Harshavardhana`s authority, though it is debated whether this relationship was solely a result of their common enemy, Sasanka, the ruler of Gaud. Bhaskarvarman attended the Mahamokshaparishada as a friend of Harsha rather than as a subordinate ruler.

Harshavardhana`s campaigns in East India, including his victory over Sasanka and the subsequent annexation of various kingdoms, showcased his military prowess and strategic acumen. His diplomatic endeavors, such as forging alliances with rulers like Dhruvsena II of Vallabhi and maintaining cordial relations with neighboring territories, allowed him to extend his influence and establish a vast empire. Harsha`s rule spanned from Assam to Kashmir and from Himachal to Vindhyachal, making him a prominent ruler in northern India.

Harshavardhana also maintained friendly relations with the ruler of Kashmir, Durlabha Vardhana. According to Hiuen-Tsang`s biography, the ruler willingly presented Harshavardhana with the tooth relic of Lord Buddha, signifying their amicable bond. Thus, it can be inferred that the ruler of Kashmir sought to maintain cordial relations with Harsha.

It is important to note that Harsha did not exercise direct control over all the territories under his influence. Instead, he exerted his authority and influence over these regions through alliances, vassalage, and friendly relations with local rulers. His ability to establish diplomatic ties and secure the support of neighboring kingdoms played a crucial role in expanding his influence. Harshavardhana`s conquests and the establishment of his empire marked a significant chapter in Indian history. He not only expanded his territorial boundaries but also sought to promote cultural and intellectual advancements.

Harsha (Harshavardhana), who reigned from 606 to 647 CE, is one of the most celebrated monarchs of early medieval India. As a ruler and conqueror, Harsha was instrumental in restoring a measure of political unity in northern India following the fragmentation caused by the decline of the Gupta Empire. His achievements in conquest, administration, and cultural patronage have cemented his legacy as a multifaceted leader. Harsha’s reign is documented in both Indian literary sources like Bana’s Harshacharita and Hiuen Tsang’s travelogues, which offer detailed insights into his rule. However, his success as a conqueror was not without limitations, and his administrative style reflected the challenges of maintaining control over a vast and diverse realm.

Harsha as a Conqueror

Harsha’s military campaigns were a defining aspect of his reign. Rising to power in the aftermath of a family tragedy, Harsha displayed exceptional determination in expanding his kingdom and establishing his authority over much of northern India.

The Circumstances of His Rise

Harsha ascended the throne of Thanesar (present-day Haryana) after the assassination of his elder brother, Rajyavardhana, who was killed in a political conspiracy orchestrated by the ruler of the Gauda kingdom in Bengal. Harsha’s early campaigns were driven by personal motives: avenging his brother’s death and rescuing his sister, Rajyashri, who had been widowed following the murder of her husband, Grahavarman of Kannauj, by the Gauda king.

Consolidation of Northern India

Harsha succeeded in bringing most of northern India under his control, uniting territories from Punjab to Bengal. His campaigns targeted regional powers that had emerged after the decline of the Guptas, including the Gaudas in Bengal, the Maukharis of Kannauj, and other smaller kingdoms. The annexation of Kannauj, a strategically significant city, marked a turning point in his conquests. Kannauj became the political and cultural epicenter of his empire, symbolizing his ambition to restore imperial unity in the region.

Harsha’s Southern Campaign and its Limitations

Harsha’s ambitions extended beyond northern India, but his southern campaign met with significant resistance. He marched against the Chalukya ruler Pulakeshin II, who controlled a vast empire in the Deccan. The two powers clashed on the banks of the Narmada River, where Harsha suffered a decisive defeat. This failure marked a boundary between northern and southern India during Harsha’s reign, as he could not extend his influence into the Deccan or beyond.

Military Strength and Strategy

Harsha maintained a formidable military force, reportedly consisting of 50,000 infantry, 5,000 elephants, and 20,000 cavalry, as described by Hiuen Tsang, the Chinese Buddhist pilgrim. His campaigns relied on swift mobilization and efficient logistics, enabling him to secure a large empire despite the challenges of fragmented regional governance.

Harsha as a Ruler

Harsha’s administrative policies, cultural contributions, and religious patronage reveal a ruler deeply invested in the prosperity of his empire and the well-being of his subjects.

Administrative Structure

Harsha inherited a political environment characterized by decentralization. Although he aimed to revive the centralized authority reminiscent of the Gupta Empire, his administration largely relied on a feudal model, with significant autonomy granted to local governors and regional chieftains.

Harsha maintained a strong central authority in key regions like Kannauj and Thanesar, while outlying areas were governed by vassals who pledged loyalty to the king. This structure allowed for effective governance but also posed challenges in maintaining unity and loyalty across a vast territory.

Taxation and Economy

The economy of Harsha’s empire was primarily agrarian, and the administration focused on land revenue collection. Harsha is known to have levied light taxes, reflecting his concern for the welfare of his subjects. Hiuen Tsang notes that corruption and severe penalties for misconduct were rare during Harsha’s reign, suggesting a relatively well-regulated administration.

Cultural and Religious Patronage

Harsha’s rule is often seen as a cultural renaissance, with significant contributions to art, literature, and religion. A follower of Mahayana Buddhism, Harsha patronized Buddhist monasteries, universities like Nalanda, and scholars from various traditions. However, he was also known for his religious tolerance, supporting Brahmanical Hinduism and Jainism alongside Buddhism.

His court was adorned with scholars like Bana, who authored the Harshacharita, and Mayura, a poet of repute. Harsha himself was a writer and composed three Sanskrit plays: Nagananda, Ratnavali, and Priyadarsika, showcasing his literary and intellectual pursuits.

Public Welfare and Charity

Harsha was deeply concerned with public welfare. Every five years, he organized a grand assembly, or Moksha Mahaparishad, where he distributed his wealth to monks, scholars, and the poor. His generosity earned him admiration from contemporaries and reinforced his image as a benevolent ruler.

Achievements and Limitations

Achievements

Harsha’s reign was notable for the stability he brought to northern India after decades of political disintegration. His consolidation of territories, cultural patronage, and efforts to maintain law and order contributed to the prosperity of his empire. Kannauj emerged as a center of political and cultural importance under his rule, and his support for Buddhism facilitated the spread of the religion across South and Southeast Asia.

Limitations

Despite his successes, Harsha’s empire was not as centralized or extensive as the earlier Gupta Empire. His reliance on a feudal administrative system made his authority dependent on the loyalty of local rulers. The defeat against Pulakeshin II exposed the limits of his military power and confined his ambitions to northern India. Furthermore, after Harsha’s death, the empire quickly disintegrated, with no strong successor to sustain his legacy.

Conclusion

Harsha’s dual role as a conqueror and ruler underscores his significance in Indian history. While his military campaigns brought much of northern India under his control, his inability to extend his influence into the Deccan and maintain a centralized administrative structure revealed the limitations of his power. As a ruler, Harsha excelled in fostering cultural and intellectual growth, promoting religious harmony, and prioritizing the welfare of his people. His reign stands out as a transitional period, bridging the gap between the classical Gupta era and the regionalized politics of early medieval India. Harsha’s achievements remain a testament to his vision of restoring imperial unity, even if his ambitions ultimately fell short of enduring success.

Battle of Narmada

The Battle of Narmada was fought between king Pulakeshin II of Chalukya dynasty and king Harshavardhana of Pushyabhuti dynasty on the banks of the river Narmada, India. The battle resulted in the great victory of Pulakeshin II and the retreat of Harsha and his forces.

Battle

The Aihole inscription of Pulakeshin boasts the Harsha (mirth) of Harsha melted away by fear, as his elephants fell in the battle. The only other inscription from his reign that mentions this battle is the Bijapur-Mumbai inscription.

The Rashtrakutas, who ultimately overthrew the Chalukyas several years after Pulakeshin’s death, also boast that they defeated the dynasty that claimed victory over Harshavardhana, thus indirectly confirming Pulakeshin’s achievement.

The Aihole inscription poetically states that Pulakeshin’s elephants had to avoid the neighborhood of the Vindhya mountains beside the Narmada River, because they “by their bulk, rivaled the mountains”. Historian K. A. Nilakanta Sastri interprets to mean that Pulakeshin “did not send his elephant forces into the difficult Vindhya terrain”, and guarded the passes with infantry. According to Shreenand L. Bapat and Pradeep S. Sohoni, the inscription suggests that Pulakeshin’s army subsequently tried to cross the Vindhyas, in a bid to invade Harsha’s kingdom, but was unsuccessful, which may explain why only two inscriptions from Pulakeshin’s reign mention his conflict with Harsha.

The title of Paramesvara, i.e., ‘the great lord or the lord of lords’, was adopted by Pulakesin II after defeating Harshavardhana of the North, The Rashtrakuta records also narrate that they defeated the army of Vallabha or the Karnataka Bala which was boasting of its victories over the Pallavas, Keralas, Pandyas, Cholas, Harshavardhana and Vajrata, thus indirectly confirming the claim of the Chalukyan inscriptions defeating Harsha.

Achievements of Harshavardhana

King Harshavardhana was indeed a successful warrior, administrator, supporter of Buddhism, and a big advocate of learning and education. Except for Kashmir, there is no reason to suspect that Harshavardhana invaded and occupied all of northern India. Following are some of the eminent achievements of Harshavardhana.

• Harshavardhana, aided by Bhaskara Varma of the Kamarupa empire, attacked and retaliated against Shashanka of the Gauda Kingdom.
• However, till Shashanka was not dead, he couldn’t completely destroy him. Afterwards, he crushed Devagupta of Malwa and invaded and occupied the kingdom on his own.
• By 612 CE, he had gained full control of Punjab’s Pancha Sindhus.
• His kingdom expanded to include Kannauj, Bihar, Orissa, and other areas. He dethroned Vallabhi’s Dhruvasana II. He later married his daughter to him and developed a solid partnership with him.
• Harshavardhana conquered Orissa, Magadha, Vodra, Kongonda (Ganjam), and Bengal after the death of Shashanka of Gaudadesha (Gaudadesha).
• Later, he deposed Nepal’s ruler and welcomed respect from him. He established his authority by vanquishing the North Indian dynasties.
• In recognition of the achievements of Harshavardhana, he was given the title “Uttarapatha Swara.”
• As a leader, Harshavardhana travelled from one province to another, inspecting administrative details.
• He was courteous to all religions, as evidenced by his patronage of Buddhism as a saiva.
• Under his leadership, Ujjain had become a centre of literary interaction.
• Harsha patronised Banabhatta, the writer of Harshacharita, as well as a handful of poets and literary figures.
• Harsha is credited with three dramatic works: Nagctncmda, Ratriavcili, and Priyadarshika. Such were the achievements of Harshavardhana in life.