Harshacharita has references to various presents sent by a ruler named Bhaskara to Harshavardhana. Bhaskara belonged to
Varman Dynasty of Assam
Understanding the Question: Bhaskara and Harshacharita
The question asks about the identity of a ruler named Bhaskara, who is mentioned in the historical text 'Harshacharita' as having sent various presents to Emperor Harshavardhana. We need to determine which dynasty and region this ruler belonged to, based on the options provided.
Analyzing Harshacharita and King Bhaskara
The 'Harshacharita' is a biography of Emperor Harshavardhana, written by his court poet Banabhatta. It provides valuable insights into the political and social conditions of the 7th century CE in India. The text explicitly mentions the exchange of embassies and gifts between Harshavardhana and several contemporary rulers.
One prominent ruler mentioned is King Bhaskaravarman. He was a contemporary of Harshavardhana and the ruler of the Kamarupa kingdom, which corresponds to modern-day Assam. Historical accounts, including Harshacharita, confirm that Bhaskaravarman sent an envoy, Hamsavega, to Harshavardhana with numerous valuable gifts. This embassy was part of an effort to form an alliance, particularly against the Gauda ruler Shashanka.
Bhaskaravarman belonged to the Varman dynasty of Kamarupa (Assam).
Evaluating the Options
Let's examine the given options:
- Haryanka Dynasty of Magadha: This dynasty ruled Magadha much earlier than Harshavardhana's time, from around the 6th century BCE (rulers like Bimbisara and Ajatashatru). They were not contemporaries of Harshavardhana (7th century CE).
- Varman Dynasty of Assam: As discussed, Bhaskaravarman, a contemporary ruler mentioned in Harshacharita, was the king of Kamarupa (Assam) and belonged to the Varman dynasty. He is known to have sent gifts to Harshavardhana.
- Nanda Dynasty of North India: The Nanda dynasty also ruled Magadha much earlier than Harshavardhana, preceding the Mauryan Empire (4th century BCE). They were not contemporaries of Harshavardhana.
- None of the above: This option would be correct only if none of the other options were accurate.
Conclusion
Based on the historical information from Harshacharita and other sources, the ruler named Bhaskara who sent presents to Harshavardhana was Bhaskaravarman of the Varman Dynasty of Assam (Kamarupa).
| Ruler Mentioned in Harshacharita | Identity | Kingdom/Region | Dynasty | Relationship with Harshavardhana |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bhaskara (Bhaskaravarman) | King of Kamarupa | Assam | Varman Dynasty | Contemporary, sent gifts, formed alliance |
Revision Table: Key Dynasties & Periods
| Dynasty | Region (Approx.) | Period (Approx.) | Relevance to Question |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haryanka | Magadha | 6th - 5th Century BCE | Too early for Harshavardhana |
| Nanda | Magadha, North India | 4th Century BCE | Too early for Harshavardhana |
| Varman (Kamarupa) | Assam | 4th - 7th Century CE (contemporaries of Harsha) | Correct identification of Bhaskara's dynasty |
| Pushyabhuti (Vardhana) | Thanesar, Kannauj | 6th - 7th Century CE | Harshavardhana's dynasty |
Additional Information: Harshacharita and Kamarupa
The Harshacharita is a key historical source for understanding the reign of Harshavardhana. Banabhatta's detailed descriptions provide insights into the political landscape of 7th-century India. The relationship between Harshavardhana and Bhaskaravarman of Kamarupa was strategically important. Both rulers were rivals of Shashanka, the ruler of Gauda (Bengal). Their alliance helped counter Shashanka's influence. The gifts sent by Bhaskaravarman, as described in Harshacharita, were extravagant and symbolic of the friendship and mutual respect between the two kings. Bhaskaravarman also famously hosted the Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) towards the end of Xuanzang's stay in India, further highlighting the importance of Kamarupa as a significant kingdom during this period.
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