Understanding Harshavardhana's Reign Period

Harshavardhana was a significant ruler of ancient India who belonged to the Pushyabhuti dynasty. His reign marked a period of political consolidation and cultural flourishment in North India after the decline of the Gupta Empire. Understanding the exact period of Harshavardhana's reign is crucial for studying this era of Indian history.

Historical sources, including inscriptions and accounts from travelers like Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang), provide valuable information about Harshavardhana and his rule. Based on these records, the widely accepted period for Harshavardhana's reign is from 606 CE to 647 CE.

Let's look at why this period is considered Harshavardhana's reign:

• Harshavardhana ascended the throne of Thanesar in 606 CE after the death of his elder brother Rajyavardhana.
• He later expanded his kingdom significantly and shifted his capital to Kannauj.
• His reign is noted for administrative reforms, patronage of learning, and religious tolerance.
• The famous Chinese traveler Xuanzang visited India during Harshavardhana's reign and stayed for many years, providing a detailed account of the socio-economic and political conditions.
• Harshavardhana's reign is generally considered to have ended with his death in 647 CE.

Let's examine the given options in light of this historical information:

• 647 CE to 700 CE: This period is after Harshavardhana's death and falls into a different era of Indian history.

• 570 CE to 610 CE: While Harshavardhana was alive during the latter part of this period, his reign did not begin until 606 CE, and it extended well beyond 610 CE.

• 606 CE to 647 CE: This period aligns perfectly with the historically accepted dates for Harshavardhana's reign.

• 545 CE to 570 CE: This period is significantly before Harshavardhana's time. The Gupta Empire was still dominant during part of this period.

Therefore, the period of Harshavardhana's reign was 606 CE to 647 CE.

Revision Table: Key Periods in Ancient Indian History

Additional Information about Harshavardhana's Era

The reign of Harshavardhana is often seen as the last major attempt to unify a large part of North India under one rule before the advent of medieval times. His empire stretched from Punjab in the north to the Narmada River in the south, although his control in the south was checked by the Chalukya king Pulakeshin II.

Harshavardhana was a patron of learning and arts. He himself is credited with writing three Sanskrit plays: Nagananda, Ratnavali, and Priyadarshika. His court was adorned with scholars like Banabhatta, who wrote Harshacharita, a biography of Harsha, and Kadambari.

He was known for his religious tolerance, initially a worshipper of Surya (Sun god) and Shiva, but later showing inclination towards Mahayana Buddhism, possibly influenced by Xuanzang. He organized religious assemblies, notably the ones at Prayag (Allahabad) and Kannauj.

The period after Harshavardhana's death in 647 CE saw the disintegration of his large empire into smaller kingdoms, paving the way for the rise of various regional powers in the subcontinent.