Harsha Vardhana, the most prominent and powerful emperor in North India in the Post-Gupta age, was the greatest king of the Pushyabhuti dynasty of Thaneshwar in the first half of the 7th century. Harsha, the son of King Prabhakar Vardhana, became the king after the death of his elder brother and king Rajya Vardhana who was killed by Shashanka, the ruler of Gaud (Bengal). Harsha Vardhana was crowned the king of Thaneshwar in 606 AD with the consent and support of the councilors of the State after the death of Rajya Vardhana.
Having taken the power as a monarch, Harsha decided to eliminate the threat to his State from Shashanka and other foes. He rescued his widowed sister Rajyashri from the enemies. He successfully crushed the power of Shashanka and Dev Gupta after a massive military campaign. Harsha captured Kannauj after the success against Shashanka and Dev Gupta.
Harsha made Kannauj as the new capital of his kingdom. Harsha as a good diplomat secured great support from Kamrupa ruler Bhaskar Varman against Shashanka. However, Harsha could not decisively defeat Shashanka as he continued as the ruler of Bengal for a long time. But, after the death of Shashanka in 637 AD, Harsh and Bhaskar Varman conquered Bengal. West part of Bengal was captured by Harsha while Eastern part of that region was taken by Bhaskar Varman. In this way Harsha finally succeeded in securing the Eastern boundary of his kingdom. Harsha also got success against Dhruvasena Second, the ruler of Vallabhi (Gujarat). But, He suffered a crushing drubbing in a battle near the banks of Narmada river against Chalukya ruler Pulakesin Second. Harsha was forced to retreat in that battle.
Despite unfavourable outcomes in the contest of power with Pulakesin, it is an unquestionable fact that Harsha was one of the most powerful monarchs in India at that time. His empire included Eastern Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha and major part of Bengal. He also had political sway over Vallabhi, Kamrupa and Kutch. He kept a large part of India under one powerful rule from 606 AD to 647 AD.
► Harsha Vardhana was also known as Siladitya.
► Harsha assumed the titles of Maharajadhiraja and Parambhattaraka.
► He is believed to be the writer of three books—The Nagananda, the Ratnavali and the Priyadarsika.
► He was a great patron of art and culture. Banabhatta, the great writer of Kadambari and Harshacharita books, Maurya, Divakara and Jayasena graced his
royal court.
► Great Chinese traveller and pilgrim Hieun Tsang visited India during his reign. Harsha organized a religious assembly in his honour.
► Harsha organized two religious assemblies in his rule at Kannauj and Prayag.
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