Harshvardhan’s Cultural Influence: Legacy of an Ancient Indian Emperor

During the reign of Harshavardhan, India witnessed significant cultural and societal developments. Harsha, initially a devotee of Shiva, embraced Buddhism and convened influential Buddhist assemblies. His era saw advancements in literature, education, and social harmony, while also maintaining certain traditional practices like the caste system.

Harshavardhana: Architect of Social Harmony and Cultural Renaissance

A. Society 

• Religious Policy: Initially, he was a worshipper of Shiva but embraced Buddhism under the influence of his sister Rajyasri. 

• He subscribed to the Mahayana school of thought.

• • Harsha’s Buddhist Assemblies: Harsha summoned two Buddhist assemblies, one at Kanauj and another at Prayag  (known as (Mahamoksha Parishad).

• Buddhist Assembly at Kanauj:

• • • • The assembly at Kanauj was attended by 20 kings, including Bhaskaravarman of Kamarupa.
      • A large number of Buddhist, Jain and Vedic scholars attended the assembly. 
      • A golden statue of Buddha was consecrated in a monastery.

• Buddhist Assembly at Prayag:

• • • Harsha convened quinquennial assemblies known as Mahamoksha Parishad a t Prayag (at the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna). 
    • He offered lavish gifts to Buddhist monks during the assembly.
    • According to Hieun Tsang, Buddhism’s principles deeply influenced Hindu society, and social harmony existed among followers of different faiths.
    • Moreover, Harsha treated Vedic scholars and Buddhist monks equally, providing equal charities.
    • Slaughter of animals and consumption of meat was restricted.

• Caste System: According to Hieun Tsang, The four divisions of society continued to be in practice as in previous times.

• • • Socioeconomic Disparities: The Brahmins and the Kshatriya led a simple life, but nobles and priests led a luxurious life.
    • Agriculturalists: were considered Shudras.
    • Social Stigma and Segregation: Untouchables, such as scavengers, executioners etc, lived outside the village. T
      • They have to announce their entry into town by shouting so that people might get away.
    • Segregation of Occupational Castes: The butchers, fishermen, dancers and sweepers were asked to stay outside the city.
    • Caste Rigidity: The caste system was rigid, and there was no social conflict among the various sections of the society.
      • People were honest and not deceitful or treacherous in their conduct.

• Status of Women: Women wore purdah, but it was not followed by women of the higher class. (Rajyasri did not wear purdah)

• • • Sati: practice existed (Yasomatidevi, wife of Prabhakara Vardhana, immolated herself after the death of her husband).

• Dietary Habits: Hieun Tsang notes that Indians were mostly vegetarians. 

• The use of onion and garlic in the food preparation was rare. 

• • • The use of sugar, milk, ghee and rice in the preparation of food or their consumption was common. Beef and meat of certain animals were forbidden.

• Education: Education was imparted in the monasteries and was mainly religious in character.

• • Vedas: were taught orally and not written down.
  • Sanskrit: was the language of the learned people.
  • Respected Wanderers: The wandering bhikshus and sadhus were well-known for their wisdom and culture.

1. Cultural Progress Under Harsha

• • Harsha’s Literary Patronage: Harsha was a patron of literature and culture. Many prominent authors, such as Bana, known for “Harshacharita” and “Kadambari,” was Harsha’s court poet. 
    • Harshacharita was the first formal biography of a king.
  • Harsha’s Literary Works: Harsha himself was a notable writer. He wrote Sanskrit plays like “Priyadarsika“, “Rathnavali,” and “Nagananda.”
  • Harsha’s Educational Endeavors: Harsha gifted liberally for the promotion of education.
    • Temples & monasteries were educational centres. 
    • Renowned scholars imparted education in the monasteries at Kanauj, Gaya, Jalandhar, Manipur and other places. 
    • Nalanda University achieved its peak during Harsha’s reign.

• Nalanda University: Hieun Tsang documented Nalanda University, which attracted scholars from China, Japan, Mongolia, Tibet, and Central/Southeast Asia.

• • Notable Scholars: Dharmapala, Chandrapala, Shilabhadra, Bhadrihari, Jayasena, Devakara, and Matanga were its esteemed teachers/scholars.
    • In 670 AD, another Chinese pilgrim I-Tsing visited Nalanda.
  • Sustained by the Generosity of 200 Villages: The monastery at Nalanda was supported by the revenue of 200 villages.
• Decline of Harsha: The kingdom of Harsha disintegrated rapidly into small states after his death.

Conclusion

Harshavardhan’s rule marked a period of cultural flourishing and social evolution. His support for Buddhism, patronage of literature, and promotion of education left a lasting impact on Indian society. However, the decline of his kingdom after his death underscores the transient nature of political power, while the enduring legacies of his reign continue to shape India’s cultural landscape.