The Vardhana Dynasty (c. 500 to c. 647)

Vardhana Dynasty or Pushyabhutis of Thanesar: Cultural and Religious Splendor in Ancient India

Introduction:

The Vardhana Dynasty also known as Pushyabhutis of Thanesar was a significant ruling family in ancient India, played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural and religious landscape of the Indian subcontinent. Emerging in the 6th century CE, the Vardhanas rose to prominence under the leadership of Prabhakaravardhana and his son Harsha.

• Vardhana were feudatories After the decline of the Gupta period
• Capital at Thanesar (Near Kurukshetra, Haryana ) – 
• Initially, the capital was Sthaneshvara (modern-day Thanesar, Haryana), later moved to Kanyakubja (modern Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh) under Harsha Vardhana.

Sources of History

1. writings of Banabhatta (Harshacharita), 
2. travelogues (Si-Yu-Ki) of the Chinese pilgrim Hsuan Tsang/ Xuanzang.
3. Banskhera and Madhuban copper plate inscription of Harsha
4. Aihole inscription of Pulkesin II
5. Nausasi Copper plate inscription in Gujarat by Druvasen
6. Harsha’s own writing- Ratnavali, Nagananda, Priyadarshika

Vardhana Dynasty or Pushyabhutis of Thanesar

Prabhakaravardhana and the Foundation:

The founder of the Vardhana Dynasty, Prabhakaravardhana (Son of Aditya-vardhana), ascended to power in the region of Thanesar, in present-day Haryana. His rule marked the establishment of a dynasty that would later produce one of India’s most celebrated emperors, Harsha.

• Great military victories specially with White Hunas
• assumed the title title Parama-bhattaraka Maharajadhiraja.

• Assumed the title of Maharajadhiraja, indicating significant power.

• Engaged in military conflicts against regional powers, including the Huns and kings of Sindh and Gandhara.

• Established alliances through marriage, notably with the Maukhari dynasty. 

• He married his daughter, Rajyashri to Grahavarman, a Maukhari ruler.

Vardhana Dynasty vs King Shashanka (Bengal)

– Background Context:
– The Pushyabhuti Dynasty, founded by Prabhakaravardhana, included key figures like his sons Rajyavardhana and Harsha, and daughter Rajyashri.
– Rajyashri was married to Grahavarman, the king of the Maukhari dynasty.

– Conflict Initiation:
– Grahavarman was defeated and killed by Deva Gupta of the Malwa kingdom, leading to Rajyashri’s capture by Deva Gupta.
– This situation prompted Rajyavardhana to retaliate against Deva Gupta for the affront to his sister.

– Rajyavardhana’s Campaign:
– Rajyavardhana successfully led an army against Deva Gupta, defeating him and rescuing Rajyashri.
– However, during this time, Shashanka, the king of Gauda (Bengal), who had been allied with Deva Gupta, plotted against Rajyavardhana.

– Treachery and Assassination:
– Shashanka feigned friendship with Rajyavardhana but secretly conspired against him.
– After Rajyavardhana’s successful campaign, he was lured into a trap by Shashanka, who treacherously murdered him during a meeting.

– Harsha’s Ascension:
– Following Rajyavardhana’s death in 606 CE, Harsha ascended to the throne at the age of 16.
– Harsha vowed to avenge his brother’s murder and rescue his sister.

– Harsha’s Campaign Against Shashanka:
– Harsha formed an alliance with Bhaskaravarman, the king of Kamarupa, to confront Shashanka.
– He launched a military campaign against Shashanka but faced challenges in fully defeating him.

– Rescue of Rajyashri:
– During his campaign, Harsha managed to rescue Rajyashri from captivity before returning to Thanesar.

– Aftermath:
– Harsha consolidated power by uniting the kingdoms of Thanesar and Kannauj after defeating Shashanka’s forces.
– He expanded his empire significantly, becoming one of the most powerful rulers in northern India.

This series of conflicts highlighted the turbulent political landscape of northern India during this period and set the stage for Harsha’s eventual rise as a prominent emperor.

Harsha Vardhana (606-6447 CE)

Title given: 

1. Siladitya (who control five indies i.e. region- Punjab, Kannauj, Bengal, Orissa, Mithila) mentioned in travel record of Xuanzang (Hsuan Tsang)
2. Sakalauttarapathanatha (lord of entire North region) given by Pulkesin II

Harsha Vardhana’s Military Achievements and Expansion of His Kingdom

Territorial Expansion

– Consolidation of Power:
– After ascending the throne, Harsha united the kingdoms of Thanesar and Kannauj, establishing Kannauj as his capital.
– His empire extended across present-day Punjab, Bengal, Orissa, and the entire Indo-Gangetic plain, with the Narmada River marking its southern boundary.

– Defeat of Sasanka:
– One of Harsha’s first military actions was against Sasanka, the king of Gauda (Bengal), who had previously killed Harsha’s brother Rajyavardhana and captured his sister Rajyashri.
– Harsha formed an alliance with Bhaskaravarman, the king of Kamarupa (modern Assam), to confront Sasanka.
– Following Sasanka’s death, Harsha successfully annexed Bengal and established control over eastern India.

– Campaigns in Eastern India:
– Harsha’s military campaigns included subjugating regions such as Magadha and parts of Odisha.
– He sought to expand his influence further into eastern territories, consolidating power over various smaller kingdoms.

Conflict with the Vallabhi King

– War Against Dhruvasena II:
– Harsha engaged in military conflict with Dhruvasena II, the ruler of Vallabhi (in present-day Gujarat).
– After a series of confrontations, Dhruvasena II was defeated and subsequently became a vassal of Harsha, solidifying Harsha’s influence in western India.

• mentioned in the Nausasi Copper plate inscription

– Diplomatic Relations:
– To strengthen ties with Vallabhi, Harsha arranged a marriage alliance between his daughter and Dhruvasena II, further integrating Vallabhi into his sphere of influence.

Conflict with the Chalukyas

– Encounter with Pulakesin II:
– The most significant military challenge during Harsha’s reign came from Pulakesin II, the ruler of the Western Chalukyas.
– In a bid to expand southward beyond the Narmada River, Harsha launched an ambitious campaign against Pulakesin II around 618-619 CE.

– Decisive Battle:
– The two armies clashed on the banks of the Narmada River. Despite initial successes, Harsha faced a decisive defeat against Pulakesin II.
– This defeat halted Harsha’s southward expansion and marked a significant boundary for his empire.

Pulkesin II bestowed the title of SAKALA-UTTARA-PATHA-NATHA (lord of the entire north)

Military Organization

– Army Composition:
– Harsha’s military was well-organized, comprising infantry, cavalry, and war elephants. Reports suggest he maintained around 100,000 horses and approximately 9,000 elephants.
– His army was divided into various units known as “chaturanga,” which included different divisions for effective combat strategies.

– Military Leadership:
– Key figures in his military campaigns included notable commanders such as Simhananda (Commander-in-Chief) and Avanti (Minister for Foreign Relations and War).

– Impact on Indian History:
– Harsha’s reign represented one of the last great empires before the onset of Muslim invasions in India. His ability to unite various regions under a single rule set a precedent for future Indian empires.

Administration Under Harshavardhana

Political Structure
– Empire Division:
– Divided into Bhuktis (provinces)
– Further subdivided into Visayas (districts) and Gramas (villages)
– Centralized Authority:
– King held supreme power over legislative, executive, and judicial functions
– Established a Council of Ministers for decision-making
– Governance Style: Blend of autocracy and consultative governance

Taxation System
– Types of Taxes:
– Land taxes and cash taxes collected from subjects
– Revenue Allocation:
– About one-fourth of taxes dedicated to charitable purposes and cultural activities
– Land Grants:
– Commonly used to reward officials and support religious institutions, especially Buddhism
– Impact on Loyalty: Maintained loyalty among nobility and local leaders

Revenue divided into four parts

1. for the king
2. for scholars
3. for the endowments of official and public servants
4. religious purpose

Law and Order: 
– Criminal Laws: Stricter laws implemented to maintain order
– Challenges:
– Effectiveness varied across regions
– Economic conditions deteriorated towards the end of Harsha’s reign, leading to declining law enforcement
– Historical Accounts: Observations by Hiuen Tsang noted initial prosperity but eventual instability

Societal Structure
– Varna System:
– Four primary classes: Brahmanas (priests), Kshatriyas (warriors), Vaishyas (traders), Shudras (laborers)
– Privileges:
– Brahmanas held significant privileges, often receiving land grants from the king
– Social Issues:
– Practices like untouchability were prevalent, marginalizing certain groups
– Religious Tolerance:
– Supported various faiths, including Buddhism and Hinduism
– Contributed to a culturally rich environment with patronage of arts and education

Religious Policy and Affiliation of Harshavardhana

Overview of Harsha’s Religious Background
– Ancestral Roots: Harsha’s ancestors were followers of Brahmanical traditions, particularly worshippers of Vishnu.
– Personal Beliefs:
– Initially a follower of Shaivism (worship of Shiva).
– Later influenced by Buddhism, particularly Mahayana Buddhism, largely due to the impact of the Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang.

Religious Policies
– Eclectic Approach: Harsha maintained an inclusive religious policy, promoting tolerance among various faiths:
– Supported Buddhism, erecting stupas and monasteries throughout his empire.
– Actively participated in and organized religious assemblies that included representatives from multiple religions (Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism).

– Assemblies and Conferences:

1. Kannauj Assembly (643 AD):
   – Convened to honor Hiuen Tsang and promote Mahayana Buddhism.
   – Attended by numerous kings and scholars; lasted for 23 days.
   – Featured the installation of a golden Buddha statue and discussions on Buddhist teachings.
2. Prayag Assembly:
   – Aimed to reduce socio-religious tensions and promote peace.
   – Attracted around 500,000 attendees, showcasing a blend of religious practices.
3. Mahamoksha Parishad at Prayag 

Charitable Activities
– Harsha was known for his extensive charitable donations:
– Distributed wealth to the poor, orphans, and needy during assemblies.
– Established rest houses and hospitals for travelers and the destitute.
– Engaged in acts of charity reminiscent of Emperor Ashoka, enhancing his moral authority.

Influence of Buddhism
– Harsha’s conversion to Buddhism led to significant developments in the religion during his reign:
– Constructed numerous stupas along the Ganges River.
– Banned animal slaughter for food in his kingdom, reflecting Buddhist ethical principles.
– Hosted annual assemblies that attracted scholars from various regions, fostering a cosmopolitan environment.

Religious Tolerance
– Despite his strong affiliation with Buddhism, Harsha exhibited remarkable tolerance towards other religions:
– Continued to worship Hindu deities such as Shiva and the Sun god (Surya).
– Provided generous donations to Brahmins and Jains, indicating respect for their traditions.

Impact
– Harsha’s religious policies contributed to a rich cultural milieu:
– His court became a center for scholars, artists, and religious figures from diverse backgrounds.
– The synthesis of Vedic traditions with Mahayana Buddhism during his reign influenced subsequent religious developments in India.

Art and Culture

Cultural Flourishing
– Period: Harshavardhana ruled from 606 to 647 CE, a time marked by significant cultural advancements in northern India.
– Patronage of the Arts: Harsha was a great patron of the arts, fostering an environment that encouraged literature, drama, and architecture.

Writers and Literary Contributions
– Banabhatta:
– Role: Court poet (Asthana Kavi) of Harsha.
– Major Works:
– Harshacharita: A historical biography of Harsha, considered the first historical biography in Sanskrit. It is written in ornate prose and vividly describes rural life and Harsha’s accomplishments.
– Kadambari: An unfinished novel that showcases his narrative skill.
– Other works include Caṇḍikāśataka and a drama titled Pārvatīpariṇaya.

Other notable writers:

Mayura- (author of Mayurahataka)

Bhartrihari- (a Grammarian – author of Vakapadiya )

Matanga Divakara- (a poet/musician- probably wrote Brhadessi )

– Harsha’s Own Contributions:
– Authored three notable plays:
– Ratnavali: A romantic drama reflecting courtly life.
– Priyadarshika: Another play showcasing his literary prowess.
– Nāgānanda: Focuses on the story of the Bodhisattva Jīmūtavāhavana, blending themes of compassion and sacrifice.

• Two inscriptions- Madhuban and Banskhera
• exhibits excellent calligraphic skills
• also an accomplished flute player

Architectural Achievements
– Harsha’s reign saw significant architectural developments, particularly in temple construction:
– Promoted the building of Buddhist stupas and monasteries, enhancing the religious landscape.
– The construction of large-scale structures during his assemblies, such as the assembly hall at Kannauj, which showcased both religious and artistic significance.

Diplomatic Relations: 

– Relations with the Huns:
– Harsha’s reign occurred during a time when the Huns were a significant threat in northern India.
– Although direct military confrontations with the Huns are not extensively documented, Harsha’s consolidation of power and territorial expansion were partly aimed at countering their influence.

– Diplomatic Relations with Gujarat:
– Harsha engaged in military campaigns against the Maitrakas of Vallabhi in Gujarat.
– After defeating Druvasena II, he established a diplomatic alliance solidified by marriage, giving his daughter to Druvasena II, which helped secure peace and cooperation between the two kingdoms.

– Relations with the Chalukyas:
– Following his defeat, a treaty was established that recognized the territorial integrity of both kingdoms, allowing for a period of relative peace despite earlier hostilities.

– Diplomatic Engagements with Bengal:
– After defeating Sasanka, Harsha annexed Bengal into his empire, further expanding his influence in the region.

– Relations with Kamarupa (Assam):
– Harsha formed a strategic alliance with Bhaskaravarman, the king of Kamarupa, to strengthen his position against common enemies like Sasanka.
– This alliance was crucial in consolidating power in northern India and maintaining stability in the region.

– Diplomatic Relations with China:
– Harsha maintained cordial relations with China, sending a envoy to the Tang court around 641 CE.
– The envoy returned in 643 CE with a Chinese mission, indicating mutual interest and diplomatic engagement between Harsha’s empire and China.

Death of Harsha:

• Wang-Hiuen-Tse visited India in 1947; mentioned Harsha’s death
• followed a period of confusion
• Gurjara-Pratiharas and Rajput rulers emerged as big force

Medieval India