Harshavardhana and the rise of Kannauj

The political scenario in post-Gupta north India was characterized by the emergence of numerous ruling families like the Maukharis of Kanyakubja, Later Guptas of Magadha, Gaudas of West Bengal (Murshidabad Dist.), Maitrakas of Valabhi (Saurashtra peninsula), Pushyabhutis of Thaneswar, etc. Many of them were originally subordinates of the Guptas. But, with the decline of the political authority of the Guptas, they assumed independence. North India in the 6th century was, thus, an arena where multiple ruling powers, all rooted in their respective regional contexts, were constantly fighting with each other. In such a political scenario, the samantas (subordinates) emerged powerful. They kept control over outlying areas or fought battles in areas far away from the political centres of their overlords. The rise of local and regional powers has been regarded as the hallmark of this period.

Kanauj, earlier known as Kanyakubja or Mahodaya, situated in the Kannauj district of present Uttar Pradesh assumed a lot of significance in the politics of early medieval north India. Located in the fertile plains of the Ganga-Yamuna doab, Kanauj stood on an elevated area that could be easily fortified. Thus, even though it was situated in plains, due to its favourable location, it could be easily fortified and was secure. Besides, Kanauj was rooted in a large agrarian expanse in the western Ganges plains. Land-grants could be made in plenty from this area. Naturally, the area attracted many brahmanas who settled here and for subsequent centuries the brahmanas of Kanauj came to be widely esteemed in the royal courts throughout the country. Kanauj was also well-connected by routes going towards east into the Ganges plains as well as with those going to south. Due to all these factors, it rose to power and became an important nodal point in north. With this development we see a shift of focus from Pataliputra in south Bihar to Kanauj. The latter also came to constitute a central theme in the politics of post-Gupta north India.

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