After the decline of the Gupta Empire in the mid-6th century, many independent kingdoms were born throughout India. Once again disunity prevailed in the political sphere of India. The following were the important kingdoms that evolved in the Post-Gupta period:
Pushyabhuti Kingdom – Their capital was Sthaneswar (Haryana)Maukhari Kingdom – Their capital was Kanauj (Uttar Pradesh)Maitraka Kingdom- They ruled from Vallabhi (Gujarat)Kamarupa Kingdom – Prakjotishapura (Assam) was the capitalGauda Kingdom- They ruled Bengal, Karnasuvarna as the capital
The Pushyabhuti or Vardhana Dynasty, led by the illustrious ruler Harshavardhana, marked a significant chapter in Indian history during the 6th and 7th centuries. Emerging in the aftermath of the Gupta Empire’s decline, Harsha, a member of the Pushyabhuti family, ascended the throne in 606 CE. His reign, primarily centered in Northern India, showcased remarkable political and cultural achievements. Harshavardhana was known for his military prowess, diplomatic acumen, and patronage of the arts. The famed Chinese traveler Xuanzang visited his court and documented the grandeur of Harsha’s rule. Despite a short-lived territorial expansion, Harsha’s governance was characterized by a focus on justice, welfare, and the propagation of Buddhism. The Vardhana Dynasty, under Harshavardhana’s rule, left an indelible imprint on India’s medieval history, symbolizing a period of political resilience and cultural flourishing.
The Deccan was ruled by Badami / Vatapi Chalukyas. They ruled the entire Deccan with Badami in Bagalkot district of Karnataka, as their capital. South India was ruled by Pallavas with Kanchi in Tamil Nadu as their capital city.
Pushyabhuti Kingdom
Maharaja Pushyabhuti:
He was the founder of the Pushyabhuti dynasty. His title Maharaja indicates that he was a vassal of Guptas.
Prabhakaravardhana:
He was the first independent king of the Pushyabhuti dynasty and assumed the title of Maharajadhiraja. He gave his daughter Rajyasri in marriage to Grahavarman, who belonged to the Maukhari kingdom.
Rajyavardhana:
Rajyavardhana was the eldest son of Prabhakaravardhana. During his reign, Gauda Sasanka (Bengal) and Devagupta (Bihar) formed an alliance and invaded Maukahri kingdom. On the battlefield, they killed Grahavarman and occupied Kanauj. Rajyavardhana who went to save his brother-in-law was also killed by them.
Harsha Vardhana:
Harsha, the younger son of Prabhakaravardhana, is the most famous ruler of the Pushyabhuti dynasty. He is often referred to as Emperor Harsha. His reign is considered a golden period in ancient Indian history. Harsha was a great patron of literature and culture, and his court attracted many scholars, poets, and artists.
In A.D. 643, he organised a religious conference at Kanauj named ‘Kanauj Maha Sabha’. Hiuen Tsang a Chinese traveller who spent 14 years in India between A.D. 630 and 644, presided over the conference. He gave enormous information about contemporary India in his book called, Si-Yu-Ki. Under the influence of Hiuen Tsang, Harsha renounced Shaivism and embraced Mahayana Buddhism.
There is no information available regarding the Pushyabhuti dynasty after Harshavardhana. According to Chinese chronicles, an officer named Arunaswa captured the throne from the successors of Harshavardhana. A Chinese general named Wang- Yuvan-Tse was sent by the emperor of China who defeated Arunaswa and reinstated the successors of Harsha on the throne. Another Chinese traveller Itsing who visited India between A.D. 675-685 did not provide any information regarding the successors of Harsha.
According to the literary evidences, in the early 8th century, Kanauj was ruled by a king named Yasovarman,He authored a drama called ‘Ramabhyudaya in Sanskrit.
Two noteworthy poets adorned his court. They were :
Bhavabhuti- He authored Sanskrit kavyas namely Malathi Madhava, Mahavira Charitra and Uttara RamaNCharita.
Vakpati- A Prakrit kavya named Gaudavaho was written by him. It describes the conquest of the Gaudadesa (Bengal) by Yasovarman.
Pushyabhuti Dynasty Administration:
Monarchical Structure:
The Pushyabhuti dynasty embraced a monarchical system of governance.
The king held the highest authority and wielded significant power.
Vast Empire Division:
Harsha’s empire spanned northern and northwestern India.
The territory was strategically divided into provinces or Bhuktis.
Provincial Governors (Samantas):
Each Bhukti was administered by provincial governors or officials known as Samantas.
Samantas played a crucial role in implementing the king’s directives and maintaining stability.
Hierarchical Structure:
| Important members of the Harsha government: The ‘sreshti’ (Chief Banker or Merchant)The ‘sarthavaha’ (Leader of Merchant Caravans)Prathama kulika (Chief Craftsman)Kayasthas(head of the scribes) |
Bhuktis were further subdivided into districts and villages.
This hierarchical structure facilitated systematic governance.
Local Governance through Ganas:
Local governance was carried out through village councils known as Ganas.
Ganas played a significant role in maintaining law and order at the grassroots level.
Decentralized Administration:
The administration focused on decentralization, empowering local communities.
Village councils allowed active participation in decision-making processes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who were the Pushyabhutis, and what role did they play in Indian history?
Answer: The Pushyabhutis were a dynasty that ruled over northern India during the 6th and 7th centuries. The most prominent ruler of this dynasty was Harshavardhana. They played a crucial role in the socio-political landscape of ancient India, contributing to the cultural and administrative development of the region.
2. Who was Harshavardhana, and what were his major achievements?
Answer: Harshavardhana, a member of the Pushyabhuti dynasty, was a notable ruler who ascended the throne in 606 CE. His reign is known for fostering cultural and intellectual growth, marked by the famous Kumbh Mela and the establishment of educational institutions. He also expanded his empire through military conquests and diplomatic alliances.
3. What impact did Harshavardhana have on religion and culture during his rule?
Answer: Harshavardhana was a patron of art, literature, and religion. He supported both Hinduism and Buddhism, promoting religious tolerance. His court was a center of learning, attracting scholars from various backgrounds. The famous Chinese traveler, Xuanzang, visited his kingdom during this period, providing valuable insights into the cultural and religious practices of the time.
4. How did the Pushyabhutis contribute to the economic development of their empire?
Answer: The Pushyabhuti dynasty, under Harshavardhana’s rule, actively engaged in trade and commerce. The Silk Road, connecting India to Central Asia and beyond, flourished during this period. Harsha’s administration focused on efficient revenue management and infrastructure development, contributing to economic prosperity in his empire.
5. What led to the decline of the Pushyabhuti dynasty?
Answer: The Pushyabhuti dynasty faced a decline after the death of Harshavardhana in 647 CE. His empire faced internal strife and external invasions, notably by the Chalukyas and the Rashtrakutas. The decentralization of power and the absence of a strong central authority contributed to the eventual fragmentation of the empire, leading to the decline of the Pushyabhuti dynasty.
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