Harshavardhana: The Last Great Hindu Ruler of Northern India

After the fall of the Gupta Empire, North India fragmented into several kingdoms, paving the way for Harshavardhana’s rise. Initially part of the Gupta military, Harsha ascended to power after his father’s murder, uniting Thaneswar and Kanauj under his rule. His reign marked the last significant Hindu rule in Northern India.

Harshavardhana: Uniting Northern India under the Vardhan Dynasty

A. Rise of the Vardhan Dynasty

• • Fragmentation of North India: After the Gupta Empire’s decline, North India fragmented into various kingdoms: Maithriyas (Gujarat, Capital – Valabhi),  Maukharis (Agra and Oudh states) and Vakatakas (western Deccan). 
  • Establishment of the Vardhan Dynasty: Pushyabhutis established an independent state at Thaneswar (lying north of Delhi between Sutlej and Yamuna) and founded the Vardhan dynasty.
    • They initially held a military role under the Gupta Empire and ascended to authority following the Gupta’s decline.
  • Prabhakara Vardhana: (580–605 AD) fought Gurjaras, Huns, and extended his influence upto Malwa and Gujarat.
    • He strategically formed an alliance by marrying his daughter, Rajyasri, to Grahavarman, the Maukhari king of Kanauj. This alliance bolstered his influence in the region.
  • Rajavardhana (605-606 AD): succeeded his father Prabhakaravardhana. 
    • He was treacherously murdered by Sasanka, the Gauda ruler of Bengal, after which Harshavardhana, his younger brother, assumed the throne.

• Epigraphical Sources: 

• • Madhuban copper plate inscription.
  • Sonpat inscription on copper seal.
  • Banskhera copper plate inscription.
  • Nalanda inscription on clay seals.

B. Harshavardhana (606-647 Ad)

• Harshavardhana, after becoming king, conquered and integrated the neighbouring kingdom into his empire. 
  • He was called the last great Hindu ruler of Northern India.
• Ascent to Power in Kanauj: The magnates of Kanauj (the capital of the Maukhari kingdom) invited Harsha to ascend the throne. 
• Harsha’s Ascension and Titles: Harsha accepted the throne on the advice of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva with the title of Rajputra and Siladitya. 
• Consolidation of Power: The two kingdoms of Thaneswar and Kanauj became united under Harsha’s rule. Consequently, Harsha transferred his capital to Kanauj. 
• Military Conquests: He killed Deva Gupta of Malwa, who tried to covet Rajyasri (his sister). Rajyasri took to Buddhism and was instrumental in converting Harsha to Buddhism.

• Ultimatum to Regional Rulers: Harsha issued an ultimatum to several regional rulers, which included:-
  • Sasanka (ruler of Gauda in Bengal).
  • Maitrakas (Valabhi), Gurjara (Broach region).
  • Pulikesin II (Chalukya king).
  • Rulers of Sindh, Nepal, Kashmir, Magadha, Odra (northern Odisha) and Kongoda (another geographical unit in ancient Odisha).
• Alliance with Kamarupa: He formed an alliance with Kamarupa (Assam) against Gauda ruler Sasanka. After Sasanka’s death, Harsha subjugated the Gauda Empire.
• Pulikesin II’s Victory: Harsha aimed to expand southward into the Deccan, but Chalukya king Pulikesin II thwarted his efforts. 
  • Pulikesin II  took the title “Parameswara” to celebrate his victory. Inscriptions in Pulikesin’s capital, Badami, confirm his triumph over Harsha.

• Marriage Alliance with Dhruvabhatta: The hostilities between Harsha and the Maitrakas ended in the marriage of Dhruvabhatta with the daughter of Harsha. 
  • Thus, Valabhi became a subordinate ally of Harsha.

• Extent of Harsha’s Empire: It is claimed that Harsha’s Empire comprised Assam, Bengal, Bihar, Kanauj, Malwa, Odisha, the Punjab, Kashmir, Nepal and Sindh.

• • • His real authority, however, did not extend beyond a compact territory between the Ganges and Yamuna rivers.

• Harsha’s Relations with China: Harsha maintained friendly relations with China and was the contemporary of the T’ang emperor, Tai Tsung. 
• Tai Tsung sent an embassy to his court in 643 AD and again in 647 AD.

Conclusion

Harshavardhana’s rule was characterized by military conquests and diplomatic alliances, expanding his empire across North India. Despite his ambitions to extend southward, he faced resistance from Chalukya king Pulikesin II. While his empire’s extent is debated, Harsha maintained friendly relations with China, leaving a legacy as a prominent ruler in Indian history.