Rise of Harshavardhana

 Harshavardhana belonged to the Pushyabhuti dynasty, founded by Naravardhana close of the 5th or beginning of the 6th century A.D. It was only under the king of Thaneswar Prabhakarvardhana (father of Harshavardhana), the Pushyabhuti dynasty flourished and he assumed the title of Maharajadiraj. Harshavardhana succeeded the throne in 606 A.D in the age of sixteen after his elder brother Rajyavardhana was killed by Sasanka while going to suppress the kings of Gauda and Malawa. Harsha was also known as Sakalottarapathanatha. After ascending the throne he rescued his sister Rajyasri and moved towards Sasanka with an unsuccessful attempt.

 

In his second expedition, after the death of Sasanka, he conquered Magadha and Sasanka’s Empire. He established his capital at Kannauj.  With a great army, Harshavardhana extended his kingdom from Punjab to northern Orissa and from Himalayas to the bank of Narmada. He also tried to extend his kingdom beyond Narmada but failed to do so.  He faced a defeat at the hands of Pulakesin II, Chalukya king of Badami. The period of Harsha is well documented in Harshacharitra written by Banabhatta. The writings of Chinese scholar Hiuen-Tsang who visited Harsha’s court also provide the great detail about Harsha and India of Harsha’s time. After the death of Harshavardhana in 647 A.D. the Empire died with him.

  

Administration   

The revenues of Harsha’s Empire were divided into four parts. The first part was spent on the king. The second part was spent on scholars.  The third part was spent on public servants and the fourth part was spent on religious activities.

  

Socio-Economic and Cultural Setup:

According to Hiuen-Tsang who visited Harsha’s kingdom, there was an existence of caste system in Indian society. Also there was rise of several mixed and sub-castes. Hiuen-Tsang also mentions the existence of untouchables and outcastes. The position of women had also declined considerably during this period. Yet women were not regarded as inferior to men. In the religious field, the ascendancy of Brahmanism brought about the decline of Buddhism. Vaishnavism, Shaivism and Jainism were also practiced. Harsha was considered to be liberal and secular king. The chief source of revenue was the one-sixth produce of land. Few other taxes were imposed on ports, ferries etc. Return from royal lands, mines and tributes from vassals filled royal coffers were also the revenue sources.

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