After the decline of the Gupta Empire, several regional powers emerged in northern India. Among them, the Pushyabhuti dynasty, also known as the Vardhana dynasty, rose to prominence. Beginning as vassals of the Guptas, they eventually established a strong empire under the leadership of Harshavardhana (606–647 CE). His reign is remembered not only for military and political expansion but also for cultural brilliance, literary achievements, and religious tolerance. The detailed account of his empire, written by the famous Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang (also known as Hiuen Tsang), makes Harsha’s period one of the most well-documented eras in early medieval Indian history.
Pushyabhuti Dynasty – Rise and Early Rulers
Pushyabhuti (Pushyabhumi)
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Considered the founder of the dynasty.
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Served as a feudatory under the Gupta Empire.
Prabhakaravardhana
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Declared independence from the Guptas and assumed the imperial title Maharajadhiraja.
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Strengthened the dynasty’s position through matrimonial alliances.
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Married his daughter Rajyashri to Grahavarman of the Maukhari dynasty.
Rajyavardhana
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Eldest son of Prabhakaravardhana.
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Faced invasion from Shashanka of Gauda (Bengal) and Devagupta of Malwa (Bihar), who killed Grahavarman and captured Kannauj.
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Rajyavardhana went to defend his brother-in-law but was killed in battle.
Harshavardhana (606–647 CE)
Accession and Titles
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Younger son of Prabhakaravardhana.
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Ascended the throne after Rajyavardhana’s death.
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Assumed the titles Rajaputra and Shiladitya.
Military Conquests
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Defeated Shashanka of Gauda and reclaimed Kannauj, which he made his new capital.
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Extended his empire over Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Odisha, and Gujarat.
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Fought against Pulakeshin II of the Chalukya dynasty in the Deccan. Harsha was defeated, and the Narmada River was fixed as the boundary between their empires.
Administration and Welfare
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Known as a benevolent ruler.
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Built hospitals, rest houses (dharamshalas), and supported the poor.
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Every five years, organized the Mahamoksha Parishad at Prayag (modern Allahabad), where he donated all his wealth to the needy before returning to Kannauj in simple clothing.
Religion and Patronage
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Initially a Shaiva, but later influenced by Mahayana Buddhism through Xuanzang.
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Patronized religious tolerance, supporting both Hinduism and Buddhism.
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In 643 CE, organized the famous Kannauj Assembly (Religious Conference) attended by scholars and representatives of various faiths. Xuanzang presided over this great gathering.
Literature and Arts
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Harsha himself was a scholar, poet, and playwright. He composed three Sanskrit plays:
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Nagananda
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Priyadarshika
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Ratnavali
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His court poet Bana wrote:
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Harshacharita (biography of Harsha)
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Kadambari
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Parvati Parinaya
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The period witnessed flourishing Sanskrit literature and intellectual exchange.
Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) and Harsha
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Xuanzang, the celebrated Chinese Buddhist monk, visited India between 630–644 CE during Harsha’s reign.
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He traveled extensively and stayed at Harsha’s court for many years.
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Described Harsha as a just, charitable, and tolerant ruler.
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Gave a vivid account of India’s political, social, and religious life in his work Si-Yu-Ki (Records of the Western World).
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Reported Harsha’s shift from Shaivism to Mahayana Buddhism.
Decline of the Pushyabhutis
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After Harsha’s death in 647 CE, there was no strong successor.
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Chinese sources mention that a minister named Arunashva usurped power but was defeated by a Chinese envoy sent by the Tang emperor.
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Later accounts, like those of the Chinese pilgrim I-Tsing (7th–8th century CE), do not provide details of Harsha’s successors, indicating the dynasty’s decline.
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By the early 8th century, Kannauj came under Yashovarman, who continued the city’s cultural significance.
Conclusion
The Pushyabhuti dynasty, though not as long-lasting as the Guptas, played a crucial role in shaping early medieval North India. Under Harshavardhana, Kannauj became a great center of power, religion, and culture. His welfare policies, literary patronage, and support for both Hinduism and Buddhism earned him fame as one of the most remarkable monarchs of India. The detailed accounts of Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) immortalized his reign, making Harsha’s era one of the most documented and celebrated chapters in Indian history.