Harsha, also known as Harshavardhana, was an Indian emperor who ruled a large kingdom in northern India during the 7th century CE. He was the ruler of the Vardhana dynasty and his kingdom was centered around the city of Kannauj in present-day Uttar Pradesh.

1. History of emperor Harshavardhana
Harsha, also known as Harshavardhana, was an Indian emperor who ruled a large
kingdom in northern India during the 7th century CE. He was the ruler of the Vardhana
dynasty and his kingdom was centered around the city of Kannauj in present-day Uttar
Pradesh.
Harsha was born in 606 CE and became the ruler of his kingdom in 606 CE after the
death of his older brother, Rajyavardhana. He was known for his military conquests and
territorial expansion, as well as his patronage of the arts, literature, and religion. Harsha
was a follower of Buddhism and was a great patron of the religion, building several
Buddhist monasteries and temples throughout his kingdom.
Harsha was also known for his political and diplomatic skills. He maintained cordial
relationships with other kingdoms in the region, including those of South India, and
tried to bring stability to the region through diplomacy rather than military means.
One of the most famous works about Harsha's reign is "Harsha Charita," a biography
written by the Indian poet Banabhatta in the 7th century CE. The work provides
valuable insight into the life and times of Harsha and his kingdom and is considered
one of the greatest works of Sanskrit literature.
Harsha's reign ended in 647 CE with his death. Although his kingdom was briefly ruled
by his son, it eventually fragmented into smaller states. Nevertheless, Harsha's legacy
lived on and he is remembered as one of the greatest rulers in Indian history.
Emperor Harsha's reign:
1. Administrative Reforms: Harsha was known for his efficient administration
and is said to have implemented several reforms to improve the governance of
his kingdom. He divided his kingdom into several provinces and appointed
governors to oversee each one. He also established a centralized bureaucracy to
manage the administration of his kingdom and implemented several measures to
ensure justice and fairness for his subjects.
2. Military Campaigns: Although Harsha was known for his preference for
diplomacy over military conquest, he led several military campaigns during his
reign. He successfully conquered several neighboring kingdoms and expanded

2. his territory. He also fought against the powerful kingdom of the Chalukyas in
the south and established his dominance over the northern part of India.
3. Religious Tolerance: Harsha was a devout Buddhist, but he was also known for
his religious tolerance. He encouraged and supported the growth of several other
religions in his kingdom, including Hinduism and Jainism. He also provided
support to scholars, poets, and artists from different religious backgrounds, and
many of them flourished under his patronage.
4. Cultural Contributions: Harsha was a great patron of the arts and literature,
and he is credited with several cultural contributions during his reign. He is said
to have hosted a great assembly, known as the "Kumbha Mela," which was
attended by scholars, poets, and artists from all over India. He also commissioned
several works of art and literature, including the famous biography "Harsha
Charita" written by the poet Banabhatta.
5. Legacy: Although Harsha's kingdom fragmented into smaller states after his
death, his legacy lived on. He is remembered as one of the greatest rulers in
Indian history, and his cultural and religious contributions are still celebrated
today. He is also remembered for his religious tolerance and his promotion of
peace and stability in northern India.
More info emperor Harshavardhana
1. Education and Personal Life: Harsha was known for his education and
intellectual pursuits. He was well-versed in several subjects, including
philosophy, religion, and mathematics, and was considered a great scholar in his
own right. Not much is known about his personal life, but he was said to have
been a just and fair ruler who was loved and respected by his subjects.
2. Patronage of the Arts: Harsha was a great patron of the arts and is said to have
commissioned several works of art, literature, and architecture during his reign.
He is credited with sponsoring the writing of several works of Sanskrit literature,
including the "Harsha Charita" by Banabhatta and the "Rattavabhasha" by
Bhattasvamin. He also built several Buddhist monasteries and temples, including
the Nalanda Mahavihara, which was one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in
ancient India.
3. Economic Policies: Harsha is said to have implemented several economic
policies that helped to improve the lives of his subjects. He encouraged trade and
commerce and is said to have established several markets and trading centers
throughout his kingdom. He also implemented measures to ensure the fair
distribution of land and resources and is said to have provided financial support
to farmers and other productive members of society.
4. Tolerance of other Religions: Harsha was a devout Buddhist, but he was also
known for his tolerance of other religions. He encouraged the growth of

3. Hinduism and Jainism and provided support to scholars and priests from these
religions. He is said to have maintained cordial relations with the rulers of other
religious kingdoms and encouraged religious harmony throughout his kingdom.
5. Reunification of Northern India: Harsha is remembered as one of the few
rulers in Indian history who was able to reunify the northern part of India after a
period of political fragmentation. His reign marked a time of peace and stability,
and he is remembered as a great statesman who worked to bring about unity and
stability to the region. His legacy continues to inspire Indians today, and he is
remembered as a great ruler who brought about cultural, economic, and political
prosperity to northern India.
Some additional information about Emperor Harsha:
1. Tolerance towards different cultures: Harsha was known for his tolerance and
respect towards different cultures and ethnic groups. He encouraged the
integration of different cultural traditions and is said to have maintained cordial
relationships with the rulers of neighboring kingdoms. This helped to create a
peaceful and harmonious atmosphere in his kingdom and contributed to the
growth of trade and commerce.
2. Patronage of Literature: Harsha was a great patron of literature and the arts,
and he is said to have encouraged the writing of several works of Sanskrit
literature. He is credited with sponsoring the writing of several works of Sanskrit
literature, including the "Harsha Charita" by Banabhatta and the "Rattavabhasha"
by Bhattasvamin. These works provide valuable insights into the culture, society,
and political conditions of Harsha's kingdom.
3. Religious Tolerance: Harsha was a devout Buddhist, but he was also known for
his tolerance of other religions. He encouraged the growth of Hinduism and
Jainism and provided support to scholars and priests from these religions. He is
said to have maintained cordial relations with the rulers of other religious
kingdoms and encouraged religious harmony throughout his kingdom.
4. Diplomacy and Peaceful Relations: Harsha was known for his preference for
diplomacy over military conquest, and he maintained peaceful relations with the
neighboring kingdoms throughout his reign. He used his diplomatic skills to
resolve conflicts and negotiate peace treaties with other rulers and is remembered
as a great statesman who worked to bring about peace and stability to the region.
5. Legacy: Although Harsha's kingdom fragmented into smaller states after his
death, his legacy lived on. He is remembered as one of the greatest rulers in
Indian history, and his contributions to the arts, literature and religious tolerance
continue to be celebrated today. He is also remembered as a great statesman who

4. worked to bring about peace and stability in northern India, and his reign is
considered a golden age in the history of northern India.