The Post Gupta period marks a transformative era in Indian history, characterized by political fragmentation and the rise of regional powers. This period witnessed significant cultural and economic developments, shaping the Indian subcontinent’s diverse heritage. Understanding this period is crucial for grasping the complexities of India’s medieval history.
Political Fragmentation and the Decline of the Guptas
Following the decline of the Gupta Empire, India saw the emergence of several regional kingdoms. In 528 CE, a coalition of North Indian kings defeated the Hunas, who were subsequently pushed back to Kashmir, Punjab, and western India.
The Mandsaur Pillar inscription by King Yashodharman of Malwa commemorates this victory, known as the Battle of Sondani. The Guptas, however, played only a minor role in this conquest.
The decline of the Guptas led to the rise of several independent dynasties, including:
- Maukharis of Kanyakubja (Kannauj)
- Guptas of Magadha
- Gaudas of Bengal
- Maitrakas of Valabhi (Saurashtra)
- Pushyabhutis of Thanesar
Many of these dynasties were initially vassals under the Guptas but later declared independence as Gupta political influence waned.
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Rise of the Pushyabhuti Dynasty and Harshavardhana’s Empire
The Pushyabhuti Dynasty
One of the most significant post-Gupta dynasties was the Pushyabhutis, who ruled from Thanesar in present-day Haryana. According to the court poet Banabhatta, the founder of this dynasty was Pushyabhuti. Successive rulers consolidated their hold over Thanesar, with Prabhakarvardhana being the first to adopt the royal title of Maharajadhiraja.
After Prabhakarvardhana’s death, his elder son Rajyavardhana ascended the throne. His sister, Rajyashri, was married to King Grahavarman of Kannauj (Maukhari dynasty). However, Sasanka, the king of Bengal from the Gauda region, killed Grahavarman and imprisoned Rajyashri. Rajyavardhana fought against Sasanka but was ultimately killed.
In 606 CE, with the backing of the Pushyamitra nobles, Harshavardhana, at the young age of 16, ascended the throne of Thanesar.
Harshavardhana’s Expansion and Administration
Rise of Harsha
Harshavardhana’s early reign is documented in Harshacharita, written by Banabhatta, and the accounts of the Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang).
- Harsha marched against Sasanka, expelled him from Kannauj, and made it his capital.
- He took the title of Rajaputra instead of Maharaja.
- He humbled the Later Guptas and brought much of northern India under his rule, assuming the title Sakalottarpathanath (Lord of the North).
Extent of Harsha’s Empire
Harsha’s empire included parts of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, Thanesar, eastern Rajasthan, and Punjab. He formed alliances with rulers like Bhaskaravarman of Kamarupa. However, he faced opposition in eastern India from Sasanka of Gauda, a Shaivite king known for cutting down the Bodhi tree at Gaya.
Conflict with the Chalukyas
Harsha’s southern expansion was halted by Pulakeshin II, the Chalukya ruler of Badami (Karnataka). The Narmada River became the boundary between their empires, and Harsha’s attempt to invade the Deccan was unsuccessful.
Kannauj: A New Seat of Power
With the decline of trade and the shift towards feudal land grants, Pataliputra lost its significance, and Kannauj emerged as the primary power center. It became a fortified, strategically located city, and controlling it became a matter of prestige for later dynasties, as seen in the Tripartite Struggle of the 8th century.
Administration and Economy
Harsha’s administration followed the Gupta model but became more feudal and decentralized, making the empire vulnerable to disintegration after his death.
Feudal Setup
- Feudal lords received land grants instead of salaries.
- Priests and officials were rewarded with land, reducing the power of central authority.
According to Hiuen Tsang, the revenue system was divided into four parts:
- One part for the king
- One part for scholars
- One part for public servants and officials
- One part for religious purposes
Although Harsha tried to maintain law and order, Hiuen Tsang reported being robbed during his stay, indicating lapses in security.
Religious Landscape and Cultural Contributions
Religious Tolerance
Harsha started as a Shaivite but later embraced Buddhism. He organized the Kannauj Buddhist Assembly, which faced opposition from Hindus and followers of Hinayana Buddhism. However, he also patronized Hinduism and the Sun god, as seen in the Prayaga Assembly, where he honored all faiths.
Hiuen Tsang’s Observations
- 18 Buddhist sects coexisted during this time.
- The most famous learning center was Nalanda University, with 10,000 students, mostly Mahayana Buddhists.
- Hiuen Tsang described the untouchables living outside villages and making tapping sounds to warn others of their presence.
Harsha’s Literary Contributions
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Harsha is credited with writing three Sanskrit dramas:
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Priyadarshika
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Ratnavali
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Nagananda
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However, some scholars dispute his authorship.
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Banabhatta, Harsha’s court poet, wrote:
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Harshacharita (biography of Harsha)
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Kadambari (a romantic novel, later completed by Bhushanbhatta)
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The End of Harsha’s Rule and Legacy
Harsha ruled for 41 years (606–647 CE). He died in 647 CE without an heir, leading to the quick disintegration of his empire.
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Was Harsha the Last Hindu Emperor?
- Harsha is often called the “last Hindu emperor of India”, but this is misleading.
- He was not a staunch Hindu and did not rule all of India.
- Later Hindu empires like the Cholas (10th century) and Marathas (18th century) controlled far greater territories than Harsha’s.
The Post-Gupta period was a pivotal chapter in Indian history, marked by the fragmentation of North India and the emergence of regional dynasties. Harshavardhana, despite his short-lived empire, played a crucial role in shaping the political and cultural landscape.
His patronage of Buddhism, administrative policies, and literary contributions left a lasting legacy. However, his decentralized feudal structure ultimately led to the decline of his empire, paving the way for future dynasties to rise.
