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How did Harshavardhana become king?
How do we know Harshavardhana was a tolerant ruler? What does Xuan Zang tell us about Harsha's assembly in
Prayag?
The Chalukyas and the Pallavas were involved in constant conflict. Do you agree? Explain.
What does Xuan Zang say about the religion and people in the Pallava kingdom?
Write a short note on assemblies in southern kingdoms.
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Answers
• He was succeeded by his elder son, Rajyavardhana. After his brother's death, at the age of 16, Harshavardhana became the undisputed ruler of Thaneshwar and declared war on Sasaka to avenge his brother and embarked upon a campaign of Digvijay, i.e. to conquer the world
•Harshavardhana ruled nearly 1400 years ago. We come to know about him from his biography, written by his court poet Banabhatta.
This biography is known as Harshacharita which is in Sanskrit.
Another source about Harshavardhana is the account that Xuan Zang left behind.
Harshavardhana became the ruler of Thanesar after both his father and elder brother died.
He took over the kingdom of Kanauj after his brother-in-law was killed by the ruler of Bengal.
Harsha led an army against the ruler of Bengal.
•The main reason for the conflict between the Pallavas and Chalukyas of Badami was supremacy over throne, prestige and territorial resources. This struggle continued from 6th century to 8th century. Later the Pandyas under control of Madurai and Tinnevelly also joined this conflict.