Question

make a critical estimate of harshavardhan . can he be called the lord of North?
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Answer 1

Answer:

Yes, I think so .

please make the brainly

Answer 2

• When King Harshavardhana of the Vardhana dynasty came to know about his brother’s death, he waged a war against Shashanka. He ascended the throne and took over the leadership of the Vardhana dynasty at the age of 16.
• In his first expedition, Harsha drove out Shashanka from Kanauj. He made Kanauj (in present-day Uttar Pradesh) his new capital. This made him the most powerful ruler of north India.
• He dreamt of bringing India under “one umbrella” and to fulfill this dream, he conquested and won over the entire northern half of India.
• In five years’ time, he conquered most of North and Central India including Gujarat in the west and Bengal in the East. Harsha established his hold over the whole of north India. He had achieved complete control over the Pancha Sindhus of Punjab, Kanauj, Bihar, and Orissa (now Odhisa).
• Harshavardhana’s kingdom was one of the earliest Indian kingdoms where we can see the practice of feudalism. This was similar to the feudal grants of Europe. Independent rulers, collectively known as ‘Mahasamantas’, paid tribute to Harshavardhana and also helped him by supplying military reinforcements.
• This played an important role in the expansion of Harshavardhana’s empire. Being one of the largest Indian empires of the 7th Century CE, it covered the entire North and Northwestern India.
• Historical records suggest that he had 100,000 strong cavalries, 50,000 infantry, and 60,000 elephants during the peak of his reign.
• Harsha had declared himself as Uttarapathpathi which translates to Lord of the Northern Routes.
• Harshavardhana ruled over entire North India from 606 to 647 CE. It is said that Harshavardhana’s administration was similar to that of the administration of the great Gupta Empire.
• There was no slavery in his empire and people were free to lead their life according to their wishes. His empire also took good care of the poor by building rest houses that provided all the amenities required.
• Harshavardhana has been described as a noble emperor who made sure all his subjects stayed happy. His rule was renowned for peace, stability, and prosperity. He did not impose heavy taxes on his people and the economy was somewhat self-sufficient. His capital Kanauj attracted many artists, poets, religious leaders, and scholars who traveled from far and wide.
• He was also a patron of literature and art. Thanks to the numerous endowments that were made to the Nalanda University, a mighty wall enclosing the edifices of the university was constructed during his rule. This wall saved the university from attack and invasions by the enemies and that ensured the prosperity of this great center of learning.
• He also maintained cordial relations with the Chinese. He even sent an Indian mission to China, establishing a diplomatic relationship between India and China. The famous Chinese monk and traveler Xuanzang spent eight years in his empire.
• Harshavardhan was a Shaiva follower in the beginning but gradually embraced Buddhism. He was a tolerant ruler. It is believed that Hiuen Tsang converted him to Mahayana Buddhism.

• Harsha prohibited animal slaughter for food in his kingdom. He also erected various Stupa and established travelers’ resthouses all over his kingdom. He conducted a gathering of representatives of all religions once every five years.

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