Post-gupta-age / Post Gupta Age / Harshavardhana
Introduction
- Harshavardhana ruled northern India from 606 to 647 CE
- His reign marked a transition from the ancient to the medieval period
- He was the last ruler of the Vardhana Empire
History and Extent
- The Vardhana Empire became prominent after the decline of the Gupta Empire
- Harsha became the undisputed ruler of Thaneshwar at the age of 16
- His empire covered the entire North and North-western India
- The Vardhana Empire consisted of areas directly under Harsha’s rule and states and kingdoms that had become feudatories under him
Administration and the Empire
- Harsha’s administration was similar to that of the Gupta Empire
- There was no slavery in his empire and people were free to lead their life according to their wish
- He took good care of the poor by building rest houses that provided all the amenities required
- His capital Kannauj attracted many artists, poets, religious leaders and scholars who traveled from far and wide
- Harsha built a strong army during his rule
- Independent rulers paid tribute to Harshavardhana and also helped him by supplying military reinforcements
Art and Education
- Harsha was a patron of both art and education
- He wrote three Sanskrit plays
- One-fourth of his revenue went for patronizing scholars
- Nalanda University was at its zenith during Harsha’s reign
Society and Religion
- Caste system was prevalent among Hindus
- The status of women declined as compared to the liberal era of earlier times
- Harsha was a worshipper of Shiva in the beginning but later became a Mahayana Buddhist
- He was tolerant of other faiths
Death and Legacy
- Harsha’s empire marked the beginning of feudalism in India
- Land was granted in villages, which made the local landlords powerful
- After ruling over most parts of North India for more than 40 years, Harsha died
