HARSHVARDHAN (606-647 A.D.)
➮ Harshavardhan ascended the Pushyabhuti throne in 606 A.D. Harshavardhan was also known as Siladitya.
➮ Banabhatta and Hiuen Tsang have provided important information about Harsha’s reign.
➮ Poet Banabhatta wrote ‘Harshacharita’.
➮ Harsha was not successful in his first expedition against Gauda. In his second expedition, Harsha conquered Magadha and Sasanka’s empire. Gauda was divided between Harsha and Bhaskarvarman.
➮ The Aihole inscription mentions that Harsha met defeat at the hands of Pulakesin II.
➮ Harsha’s empire extended from Punjab to northern Orissa and from the Himalayas to the banks of Narmada.
➮ Harsha wrote three Sanskrit plays-Nagananda, Ratnavali, and Priyadarshika.
➮ Banabhatta wrote Harshacharita and Kadambri.
➮ Harsha showed equal respect to all religious sects.
➮ Harsha built rest houses, and hospitals, and endowed numerous Brahmanical, Buddhist, and Jaina establishments.
➮ The Kannauj assembly was held in the honor of Hiuen-Tsang.
➮ Harsha used to celebrate religious festivals at the end of every five years at Prayag.
➮ Harsha sent an embassy in 641 A.D. to the Chinese emperor.
➮ Harsha also received a Chinese embassy in return.
