Death and Legacy of Harshavardhana

  • In 647 CE, King Harshavardhana died when he was 57 because he got very sick suddenly.
  • Many people were sad about his death, and lots of his subjects came to his funeral to pay their respects.
  • Harshavardhan didn’t have a son or daughter to become the next king, so there was a fight between his ministers and family members to decide who would be the new ruler.
  • Eventually, his sister’s son, Arjuna Vardhana, became the new king.
  • Even though Harshavardhan was only king for 41 years, he made a big mark on Indian history.
  • His ideas and things he did for education, culture, and religion continued to be important even after he was gone.

King Harshavardhana – UPSC Notes

India is a country that has been ruled by numerous emperors and kings throughout history. One such king who is often overlooked and underrated is King Harshavardhana, also known as Harsha. He was a ruler of the Indian subcontinent from 606 to 647 CE and his reign is considered to be a golden age in the history of India. Harshavardhana was a great warrior, administrator, and patron of art and literature. In this article, we will take a closer look at the life and achievements of this king.

Table of Content

  • King Harshavardhana – Overview
  • Early Life and Family of King Harshavardhana
  • King Harshavardhana – Rise to Power
  • Administrative Reforms of Harshavardhana
  • Patronage of Arts and Literature of Harshavardhana
  • Death and Legacy of Harshavardhana
  • Harshavardhana’s Influence on Indian Culture

Similar Reads

King Harshavardhana – Overview

...

Early Life and Family of King Harshavardhana

Early Life...

King Harshavardhana – Rise to Power

Determination and Perseverance: Harshavardhana always dreamed of being a king and making India strong and happy and he never gave up, even when things were tough. His determination helped him face all the problems that came his way. Great Warrior: Harshavardhana was a brave fighter and knew how to plan battles well. He learned fighting from his dad and fought in many battles. Because of his bravery and smart thinking, he won many battles and earned the respect of other fighters. Making Friends: To become powerful, Harshavardhana made friends with other powerful kings. He became allies with the king of Maukhari, Grahavarman, by marrying his sister. This made him even stronger in the northern part of India. Good at Talking: Harshavardhana wasn’t just good at fighting; he was also good at talking and making deals. He knew how to talk to other kings and make them his friends. This helped him keep peace with other kingdoms and become even more powerful. Taking Over Land: Harshavardhana wanted to bring all of India under one ruler. So, he fought many battles and took over lands like Punjab, Gujarat, and Bengal. This made his kingdom bigger and made people like him even more....

Administrative Reforms of Harshavardhana

Fair Taxes on Land: King Harsha Vardhan changed how taxes were collected on land. Before, people had to pay taxes randomly, but he made it fair. He divided land into three types – good, okay, and not so good – and taxed them accordingly. This helped farmers and made farming better. Better Courts: Harsha Vardhan wanted everyone to get fair treatment in court. So, he made changes to the court system. He started courts in different areas, picked good judges, and made sure trials were fair and quick. New Capital Cities: The king made two new capital cities – Thanesar and Kannauj. Thanesar was for religious things, and Kannauj was for running the government. He put people in charge of these cities to make things run smoothly. Local Leaders: Harsha Vardhan divided his kingdom into different areas, each with its leader called a ‘Mahasamanta.’ These leaders took care of the area, collected taxes, and made sure everyone was safe and happy. Stronger Army: The army was vital for protecting Harsha Vardhan’s kingdom. He made the army bigger, gave better training, and got newer weapons. This made the kingdom safe and peaceful. More Schools: King Harsha Vardhan liked education and wanted more people to learn. He started many schools and even made big universities like Nalanda and Vikramshila. People from all over the world came to these universities to study. He also encouraged learning Hindu texts and made Sanskrit the language of his court....

Patronage of Arts and Literature of Harshavardhana

King Harshavardhana ruled during the 7th century, a time of great cultural, artistic, and literary achievements. Let’s explore how he supported and promoted arts and literature during his reign....

Death and Legacy of Harshavardhana

In 647 CE, King Harshavardhana died when he was 57 because he got very sick suddenly. Many people were sad about his death, and lots of his subjects came to his funeral to pay their respects. Harshavardhan didn’t have a son or daughter to become the next king, so there was a fight between his ministers and family members to decide who would be the new ruler. Eventually, his sister’s son, Arjuna Vardhana, became the new king. Even though Harshavardhan was only king for 41 years, he made a big mark on Indian history. His ideas and things he did for education, culture, and religion continued to be important even after he was gone....

Harshavardhana’s Influence on Indian Culture

King Harshavardhana influenced Indian culture in many ways, leaving a lasting impact on the country. Here are some of the key ways he contributed:...

Summary – King Harshavardhana

King Harshavardhana was a remarkable king who left a lasting impact on the history of India. His military conquests, administrative reforms, and patronage of art and literature have cemented his place as one of the greatest rulers of ancient India. His legacy continues to inspire generations and his reign will always be remembered as a golden period in Indian history....

FAQs on King Harshavardhana

Who was King Harshavardhana?...