whome Bhaskar Burman sent as Ambassador to Harshavardhan
Answers
Answer:
Bhaskaravarman (600–650), the last of the Varman dynasty, was perhaps the most illustrious of the kings of the medieval Kamarupa. After being captured by the Gauda king during the reign of his father, he was able to re-establish the rule of the Varman's. He made political alliances with Harshavardhana of Thaneswar, against the alliance of the Gauda and East Malwa.[1] He was visited by Xuanzang and Li Yi-piao, the envoy of the Tang dynasty who have left accounts of the king and the kingdom.
Bhaskaravarman came to power after his brother Supratisthitavarman had died. He was the first Kamarupa king to claim descent from the mythical Narakasura, Bhagadatta and Vajradatta.[2] After his death Salasthambha, who established the Mlechchha dynasty, acquired power in Kamarupa Kingdom.
He issued the Dubi and Nidhanpur copper plate grants, re-issued after his ancestor Bhutivarman, and a clay seal found in Nalanda.
Background
After Susthitavarman was defeated by Mahasenagupta, his son Supratisthitavarman came to power, who built Kamarupa's elephant army but died prematurely without an heir. Thus, the younger son, Bhaskaravarman, came to power in Kamarupa.[3] Even after he succeeded to the throne c. 600 CE, Bhaskaravarman was known as kumara (prince), probably because he was a bachelor throughout his life.[4]
Rivals
Mahasenagupta, in alliance with Shashanka, had defeated on Susthitavarman and took control over north and central Bengal. After the death of Mahasenagupta Shashanka became the ruler of this portion.[5] On ascending the throne Bhaskaravarman found two strong rival powers growing in northern India, viz. one in central and northern Bengal under Shashanka and the other in mid-India under Prabhakaravardhana, the father of Harshavardhana.[4]
When Shashanka murdered Rajyavardhana who had succeeded Prabhakaravardhana as the king at Thaneswar, Bhaskaravarman sent an envoy, Hangsavega, to form an allinace. This incident by both Bana and Xuanzang.[6]
Alliance with Harsha
The Harsha Charita of Bana gives a detailed account of Hangsavega's meeting with Harsha. Plying him with gifts and praise, the diplomat was able to effect an offensive and defensive alliance between the two kings.
The Nidhanpur copper-plate grant was issued from Bhaskaravarman's victorious camp at Karnasuvarna,[7] the erstwhile capital of Shashanka.
Alliance with Chinese
After 648 CE, the Chinese invaded India to avenge the insult done to Chinese representatives at the court of Harshavardhana by the minister who usurped the throne of Harshavardhana after his death. The minister was defeated and captured. In the conflict, Bhaskaravarman aided the Chinese with supplies of cattle, horse and accoutrement.[8]
Xuanzang's account
The Chinese traveler, Xuanzang, visited Bhaskaravarman in his court on his invitation, noting the King patronized Buddhism though a non-Buddhist.[9] According to the text of the Si-yu-ki, the circumference of the capital of Kamarupa was thirty li and the king who was Bhaskaravarman, a Brahman by caste.
Kamarupa of Bhaskaravarman
Xuanzang, in his travelogue, noted that he crossed a great river Karatoya before entering the Kamarupa. The eastern boundary was a line of hills close to the Chinese frontier. He also said Kamarupa was nearly 1700 miles in circumference. The climate was genial. He mentioned that the people were are short height and of yellow complexion and Bhaskar Varman was Hindu and not Buddhist. The people were honest. Their speech differed a little from that of mid-India. They were of violent disposition but were persevering students. They worshipped the Devas and did not believe in Buddhism. The Deva-temples were some hundreds in number and the various systems had some myriads of professed adherents. The few Buddhists in the country performed their acts of devotion in secret. The pilgrim ascertained from the people that to the east of the country was a series of hills which reached as far as the confines of China. The inhabitants of these hills were akin to the "Man of the Lao". In the south-east of the country elephants were plentiful.[10]
Answer:
Bhaskar Varman sent Hiuen Tsang as an ambassador to Harsh Vardhan
Explanation:
Bhaskar Burman was the renowned monarch of Kamrupa presently known as Assam. In his rule, his federation was very flourishing in the fields of education, art, and spirituality. The emperor was a philosopher himself. He summoned Hieun Tsang into his union in 642-643 AD. Later Harsh Vardhan also beckoned Hiuen Tsang into his territory. Bhaskar Varman transferred him as an ambassador to the country of Harsh Vardhan.