Harshavardhana and Post-Gupta Period Notes for SSC
Rahul Kumar
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After the decline of the Guptas, North India broke into several kingdoms. Harshavardhana of the Pushyabhuti dynasty united much of the north in the early 7th century. SSC asks about his capital, writers, the Chinese traveller and his battles.
Post-Gupta Dynasties
| Dynasty | Region | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Later Guptas | Magadha | Successors of the Guptas |
| Maukharis | Kannauj | Rivals of the Later Guptas |
| Pushyabhutis (Vardhanas) | Thanesar, later Kannauj | Harsha belonged to this dynasty |
| Gauda | Bengal | Shashanka killed Rajyavardhana |
Harshavardhana (606 to 647 CE)
- Became king in 606 CE after the death of his brother Rajyavardhana. His sister was Rajyashri.
- Capital: Thanesar first and Kannauj later.
- He was defeated by Pulakeshin II of the Chalukyas near the Narmada river (about 618 to 619 CE).
- Harsha was a Buddhist in later life but respected Hinduism and Jainism.
- He wrote the plays Ratnavali, Priyadarshika and Nagananda.
Sources and Events
| Source / Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Harshacharita | Written by Banabhatta, his court poet |
| Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang) | Chinese pilgrim who visited India during his reign and studied at Nalanda |
| Kannauj Assembly | Held to honour Hiuen Tsang and spread Mahayana Buddhism |
| Prayag Mahamokshaparishad | Held every five years where Harsha gave away his wealth |
After the death of Harsha in 647 CE his empire broke up. The three-way struggle for Kannauj began later among the Gurjara-Pratiharas, Palas and Rashtrakutas.
Quick Tips
- Link Harsha with Banabhatta, Hiuen Tsang and Pulakeshin II.
- Remember that Harsha wrote three plays.
- Prayag assembly was held every five years.
- Harsha's capital shifted to Kannauj.
Quick Revision Points
- Harsha ruled from 606 to 647 CE.
- Banabhatta wrote Harshacharita.
- Hiuen Tsang visited during his reign.
- Pulakeshin II defeated Harsha near the Narmada.
- Harsha wrote Ratnavali, Priyadarshika and Nagananda.
- Prayag Mahamokshaparishad was held every five years.
Practice Questions With Answers
- Which dynasty did Harshavardhana belong to?
Answer: Pushyabhuti (Vardhana) dynasty - Who wrote the Harshacharita?
Answer: Banabhatta - Which Chinese pilgrim visited India in the reign of Harsha?
Answer: Hiuen Tsang - Who defeated Harsha on the banks of the Narmada?
Answer: Pulakeshin II - What was the capital of Harsha in his later years?
Answer: Kannauj - Name the three plays written by Harsha.
Answer: Ratnavali, Priyadarshika and Nagananda - Which ruler of Gauda killed Rajyavardhana?
Answer: Shashanka - How often was the Prayag assembly held?
Answer: Every five years
How to Practise This Chapter
Practise 10 questions every day and write the steps on paper. Then attempt timed sets from our practice papers and the previous year papers page. See all topics on the Indian History notes page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Harshavardhana?
A 7th century king of the Pushyabhuti dynasty who ruled much of North India.
When did Harsha rule?
606 to 647 CE.
What is the Harshacharita?
The biography of Harsha written by Banabhatta.
Who was Hiuen Tsang?
A Chinese Buddhist pilgrim who stayed at Nalanda.
Where was the capital of Harsha?
Thanesar first and then Kannauj.
Who defeated Harsha?
Pulakeshin II of the Chalukyas.
What was the Prayag assembly?
A five-yearly gathering where Harsha donated his wealth.
Which religion did Harsha follow?
Shaivism earlier and Buddhism later.
What happened after Harsha died?
His empire broke up.
Which university did Harsha patronise?
Nalanda.
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Rahul Kumar
SSC Exam Expert & Content Editor
Rahul is a senior SSC exam strategist with 8+ years of experience helping aspirants crack CGL, CHSL and MTS exams. He writes in-depth notification breakdowns, exam pattern guides and preparation strategies.