Understanding King Harshavardhana and His Time

The question asks us to identify the statement that is NOT correct about King Harshavardhana. To answer this, we need to examine each statement based on historical facts related to Harshavardhana, his reign, and key figures associated with him.

Analyzing Statements about Harshavardhana

Let's evaluate each statement provided:

• Statement 1: Harshavardhana ruled nearly about 1400 years ago.

Historical records indicate that Harshavardhana's reign was primarily during the first half of the 7th century CE. His reign is generally placed from 606 CE to 647 CE. Calculating back from the present (roughly 2024 CE), 1400 years ago would be around 624 CE. This period falls well within Harshavardhana's rule. Therefore, this statement is considered correct.

• Statement 2: Xuan Zang spent a lot of time at Harsha's court.

Xuan Zang, the famous Chinese Buddhist monk and traveler, visited India during the reign of King Harshavardhana. He spent several years in India, including significant time at Harshavardhana's court and traveling across his kingdom. His travelogue provides valuable insights into Harshavardhana's administration, society, and religious practices. This statement is historically correct.

• Statement 3: Harshavardhana's court poet was Harishena.

Harishena was a significant figure, but he was the court poet of Samudragupta, one of the rulers of the Gupta dynasty, who reigned much earlier than Harshavardhana. Harishena is renowned for composing the Allahabad Pillar inscription (also known as the Prayag Prashasti), which describes Samudragupta's achievements. The court poet of King Harshavardhana was Banabhatta. Banabhatta is famous for writing the 'Harshacharita', a biography of Harshavardhana, and 'Kadambari', a romantic novel. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.

• Statement 4: Harshacharita is a biography written on Harshavardhana.

As mentioned above, the 'Harshacharita' is indeed a famous biographical work detailing the life and times of King Harshavardhana. It was written by Banabhatta, who was Harshavardhana's court poet. This statement is historically correct.

Summary of Statement Correctness

Based on the analysis, the statement that is NOT correct regarding King Harshavardhana is that his court poet was Harishena.

The Significance of Banabhatta and Harshacharita

Banabhatta was a prominent Sanskrit scholar and poet who served as the 'Asthana Kavi' (court poet) for King Harshavardhana. His work, the 'Harshacharita' (Deeds of Harsha), is a key historical source for understanding the life, military campaigns, and administration of Harshavardhana. It is an early example of Sanskrit biographical literature.

Xuan Zang's Account of Harshavardhana's Reign

Xuan Zang, known in China as Tang Sanzang, traveled to India in the 7th century during Harshavardhana's rule. His travelogue, 'Si-Yu-Ki' (Record of the Western Regions), provides a foreigner's perspective on the political, social, economic, and religious conditions of India during that period. He described Harshavardhana as a benevolent and efficient ruler who promoted Buddhism and patronized learning.

Revision Table: Key Figures in Harshavardhana's Era

Additional Information on Harshavardhana's Rule

Harshavardhana was one of the most important rulers of ancient India after the decline of the Gupta Empire. He consolidated a large kingdom in North India with his capital initially at Thanesar and later shifted to Kannauj. He is known for his administrative skills, patronage of arts and learning, and his syncretic approach to religion, initially a Shaivite but later showing strong inclination towards Buddhism, especially Mahayana Buddhism, influenced by figures like Xuan Zang.