Harshavardhana was an Indian ruler who reigned from 606 to 647 AD in North India. At the age of 16, he ascended to the throne, defeating his foes and rescuing his sister Rajushri. His dominion covered a large region. Harsha was a devotee of Shiva and Surya at first, but he subsequently converted to Mahayana Buddhism and stopped killing animals in his kingdom. To discuss Mahayana Buddhism, two large gatherings were conducted. Here we will discuss more about Harshavardhana, which will be helpful in understanding the topic ‘Famous Personalities of India’ for UPSC IAS Exam preparation.

Harshavardhana - A Great Patron of Mahayana Buddhism

• In 641 CE, Harshavardhana declared himself king of Magadha, expanding his fame to other countries.
• He exchanged ambassadors with China.
• Harshavardhana is credited for unifying North India after the Guptas.
• His dominion stretched from Punjab in the west to Bengal and Orissa in the east, and from the Himalayas in the north to the Narmada River in the south.

Harshavardhana and Buddhism

• Harshavardhana, a Lord Shiva devotee, subsequently converted to Buddhism.
• He outlawed animal sacrifices across the empire, as well as the consumption of non-vegetarian foods.
• He constructed stupas in Buddhist holy sites.
• He chastised Buddhist opponents and anyone who lacked character.
• He obtained the remains of Buddha's teeth from the ruler of Kashmir and constructed a stupa over them at Kannauj.

Religious Council at Kannauj 643 CE

• Harshavardhana convened a massive Buddhist assembly at Kannauj in 643 CE for theological debate and to honour Hiuen Tsang.
• The council was headed over by Hiuen Tsang.
• This council included twenty kings, thousands of academics, over three thousand Buddhist monks, three thousand Brahmins, and Jains.
• In the auditorium, a golden Buddha statue as tall as the king was erected. This meeting lasted for 23 days.
• In this council, Hiuen Tsang discussed Mahayana philosophy.

Prayag (Allahabad) Buddhist Council 643 CE

• Harshavardhana organized the Maha Moksha Parishad, a once-every-five-year convention in Prayag.
• Hiuen Tsang was asked to participate in this meeting.
• The meeting lasted for 75 days.
• Harsha helped impoverished individuals of all faiths.
• The Buddha's idol, as well as those of Shiva and Surya, were paraded at this council.

Conclusion

Harshavardhana is one of the most powerful Vardhanas in Thaneshwar. He was a capable administrator, a valiant soldier, a patron of literature, and a concerned citizen. He was a scholar in his own right. In Sanskrit, he authored the dramas "Ratnavali," "Priyadarshika," and "Nagananda." He supported the famed poet Banabhatta, who immortalized Harshavardhana in his poem "Harshacharita." He was a supporter of education and made several gifts to Nalanda University.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Who presided over the 643 CE Buddhist assembly at Kannauj?

A) Harsha
B) Hiuen Tsang
C) Fa-Hien
D) Al-Masudi

2. Which literary work is NOT associated with Harsha?

A) Ratnavali
B) Priyadarshika
C) Abhijnanashakuntalam
D) Nagananda

3. Harsha’s religious assemblies included discussions on:

A) Vedanta
B) Shaivism
C) Mahayana Buddhism
D) Jainism

4. Which of the following rulers was known for exchanging embassies with China?

A) Ashoka
B) Kanishka
C) Harsha
D) Chandragupta II

5. Harsha’s assembly at Prayag is also known as:

A) Maha Moksha Parishad
B) Maha Bodhi Assembly
C) Dharma Sabha
D) Bhakti Sangam

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the significance of Harshavardhana’s patronage of Mahayana Buddhism and his contributions to Indian culture.

Answer: Harsha’s patronage of Mahayana Buddhism strengthened Buddhist teachings in India. By organizing councils like the ones in Kannauj and Prayag, he fostered religious discussions and promoted peace. Harsha’s literary contributions through works like "Ratnavali" and his support for scholars such as Banabhatta enriched Indian culture. His reign exemplified cultural synthesis, diplomacy, and a model of secular governance, marking a significant era in India’s religious and cultural history.

Q2: How did Harsha’s religious policies impact the socio-cultural landscape of his empire?

Answer: Harsha’s support for Buddhism, especially Mahayana, and his prohibition of animal sacrifices cultivated a culture of non-violence and religious tolerance. His assemblies, which included Brahmins and Jains, promoted interfaith harmony, aiding cultural cohesion. Harsha’s policies facilitated educational growth, with support for institutions like Nalanda, contributing to a vibrant intellectual environment in his kingdom.

Q3: Analyze the diplomatic significance of Harshavardhana’s interactions with foreign envoys, particularly Hiuen Tsang.

Answer: Harsha’s diplomatic ties with China, symbolized by Hiuen Tsang’s presence, showcased India’s cultural openness and intellectual appeal. This exchange enriched both India’s and China’s historical records and demonstrated India’s position as a center of knowledge. These diplomatic relations highlighted cross-cultural interactions and facilitated the spread of Buddhism beyond India, strengthening India’s influence in Asia.

Previous Year Questions on Harshavardhana

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2021:

Question: Which of the following scholars visited India during Harshavardhana’s reign?

A) Al-Masudi
B) Ibn Battuta
C) Fa-Hien
D) Hiuen Tsang

Answer: (D)

Explanation: The Chinese scholar Hiuen Tsang visited India during Harsha’s reign, documenting Indian society and Harsha’s patronage of Buddhism in detail.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2020 (GS Paper 1):

Question: "Examine the role of Harshavardhana in promoting Mahayana Buddhism. How did his patronage influence Indian art and culture?"

Answer: Harsha’s support for Mahayana Buddhism expanded its reach in India, influencing religious art, architecture, and cultural practices. His assemblies and religious councils encouraged philosophical debates, while his sponsorship of stupas and monasteries strengthened Buddhist architectural legacy, impacting India’s cultural landscape significantly.