Harshavardhana (606 – 647 AD)
- After Gupta’s decline, Harshavardhana, a ruler of Thanesar, Haryana extended his authority over all fiduciaries
- Harshavardhana made Kannauj his capital & seat of power & became last great Hindu ruler of North India
- In his early life, Harsha was devoted to Shiva but later he became an ardent Mahayana Buddhist under the influence of Chinese pilgrim Huan Tsang
Kannauj Assembly → Harsha organised a Kannauj assembly to honour Chinese pilgrim Huan Tsang where he explained doctrines of Mahayana Buddhism & claimed his superiority over others.
Prayag Assembly → 2nd Mahayana Buddhism assembly by Harsha, marked by great charity of Harsha where he even gave up his cloths as charity.
Revenue collection during Harsha’s period was divided into 4 parts namely
- For kings
- For Scholars
- For officials
- For Religious purposes
Banskhera inscriptions contains sign & conquest of Harshavardhana
Huan Tsang Account
- Book → Si – Yu – Ki and Biography → Hui – Li
- Prevalent dowry & Sati system with no system of widow remarriage
- Sudras were known as agriculturist
- Trade declined & less issuance of coins
- Grants of land gained popularity
- Thieves at state were met with extreme punishments
Literary Sources
| Banabhatta | Harshacharita, Kadambari |
| Harshavardhana | Ratnavali, Nagananda, Priyadarsika |
- Harsha patronised Nalanda university (Mahayana type mostly), which attained international reputation as a center of learning during his reign.
- At Valabhi lied Hinyana form of Buddhism Institution
- Nalanda (Giver of knowledge) name was founded by Kumargupta – 1 in Gupta period
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