Keywords To Remember
- Harshavardhana – A powerful ruler of north India who ruled from 606 CE to 647 CE and expanded his empire across present-day north and eastern India.
- Vardhan Dynasty – The ruling dynasty to which Harsha belonged, established by Prabhakarvardhana.
- Prabhakarvardhana – Father of Harshavardhana, founder of the Vardhan dynasty, and ruler of Thanesar.
- Rajyavardhana – Elder brother of Harsha, briefly ruled before being killed by Shashank.
- Shashank – The ruler of Bengal who murdered Rajyavardhana.
- Thanesar (Sthanvisvara) – Capital of Harsha’s kingdom, located in modern-day Haryana.
- Council of Ministers – A group of advisors who assisted the king in administration.
- Amatyas/Sachivs – Ministers or administrative officers in Harsha’s court.
- Bhuktis/Desh – Provinces or territories under Harsha’s rule.
- Vishyas/Pradesh – Subdivisions of provinces.
- Uparika – Head of a province during Harsha’s rule.
- Uparika-Maharaja/Kumaramatya – Supervisor of provincial heads, often a prince.
- Gramik – Head of a village panchayat, responsible for local administration.
- Village Panchayat – A local self-governing body in villages.
- Benevolent – A kind and generous ruler, concerned with the welfare of people.
- Chaitya – A Buddhist shrine or prayer hall.
- Vihar – A Buddhist monastery for monks to live and study.
- Dharmashala – A charitable rest-house for travelers and pilgrims.
- Hiuen-Tsang (Xuanzang) – A Chinese Buddhist traveler who visited Harsha’s court and wrote detailed accounts of Indian society and governance.
- Harshacharita – Biography of Harsha written by Banabhatta, his court poet.
- Banabhatta – Court poet of Harsha and author of Harshacharita.
- Priyadarshika, Naganand, Ratnavali – Sanskrit plays written by Harsha.
- Shaivism – A major sect of Hinduism focused on the worship of Shiva.
- Vaishnavism – A major sect of Hinduism focused on the worship of Vishnu.
- Surya – The Hindu sun god, worshipped in the Gupta and Harsha periods.
- Devotee – A dedicated follower of a religion or deity.
- Tolerant – Showing willingness to accept different religious beliefs.
- Magha Mela – A grand religious fair held at Prayag (Allahabad) every five years.
- Alms (Dan) – Charity or donation given to the poor and needy.
- Rajshree – Harsha’s sister, involved in the Magha Mela rituals.
- Nalanda University – Ancient international center of learning in Bihar, supported by Harsha.
- Tamralipti – An important port city for international trade, located in Bengal.
- Kapisha – A key center of trade during Harsha’s time, possibly located in Afghanistan.
- Brahmins – Priestly class in the Varna system, held high status.
- Kshatriyas – Warrior class, to which Harsha belonged.
- Vaishyas – The merchant and agricultural class in society.
- Shudras – The lowest class in the Varna system, often marginalized.
- 1/6th Tax Rule – Farmers were required to pay one-sixth of their produce as tax.
- Contemporary Sources – Inscriptions, coins, and literary records created during Harsha’s time.
- Disintegration – The process of breaking up of the Gupta Empire into smaller kingdoms.
- Independent Kingdoms – Small regional states that emerged after the fall of major empires.
- Chalukyas – A powerful southern dynasty that rose after Harsha’s death.
- Pallavas – Another major dynasty of south India during and after Harsha’s period.
- Administration – The system of governance and organization of a kingdom.
- Judicial System – Legal framework of the empire, led by the king himself.
- Commander-in-Chief – The head of the military forces; a role held by Harsha.
- Prosperity – A state of economic success and well-being.
- Religious Tolerance – The practice of accepting and respecting other religions.
- Sangam (Confluence) – Meeting point of rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati at Prayag.
- Post-Gupta Period – The time after the fall of the Gupta Empire, marked by regional powers like Harsha.
Something To Know
A. Tick (✔ ) the correct option.
- Thanesar is located in-
(a) Punjab
(b) Haryana
(c) Rajasthan
(d) Uttar Pradesh
Answer – (b) Haryana
- Rajyavardhana came to throne in-
(a) 605 CE
(b) 606 CE
(c) 607 CE
(d) 608 CE
Answer – (a) 605 CE
- Which one of the following books was not written by King Harshavardhana himself?
(a) Harshacharita
(b) Priyadarshika
(c) Naganand
(d) Ratnavali
Answer – (a) Harshacharita
- Nalanda was granted the income received from-
(a) donations
(b) traders
(c) foreign countries
(d) villages
Answer – (d) villages
- The Chinese traveller who came to India during Harsha’s rule was-
(a) Hiuen-Tsang
(b) l-Tsang
(c) Fa-hein
(d) Jantang
Answer – (a) Hiuen-Tsang
B. Fill in the blanks.
- Rajshri was the daughter of King ____________.
Answer – Prabhakarvardhana
- Harshacharita was written by ____________.
Answer – Banabhatta
- To assist Harsha in administration there was a____________.
Answer – Council of Ministers
- Farmers had to pay____________ of their produce as tax.
Answer – 1/6th
- The society was divided into ____________varnas.
Answer – four
C. Write True or False for the following statements.
- Harshavardhana was crowned in 606 CE.
Answer – True
- Uparika was the head of the village.
Answer – False (Uparika was the head of a province, Gramik was the head of a village)
- Lord Shiva was not commonly worshipped during the reign of Harsha.
Answer – False (He was a devotee of Shiva in the beginning)
- Harsha never gave alms to the needy and the poor.
Answer – False (He gave away all his wealth every five years)
- Harsha was very respectful towards all the religions.
Answer – True
D. Answer the following questions in brief.
- Which were the two main sects of Hinduism during Harsha’s period?
Answer – Vaishnavism and Shaivism.
- What was the main contribution of Prabhakarvardhana as a king?
Answer – He conquered many places and established a large kingdom.
- What happened after the Vardhan empire lost its glory?
Answer – Many small independent kingdoms emerged, and powers like the Chalukyas and Pallavas rose in the south.
- Name the rivers that meet at Sangam in Prayaga (Allahabad).
Answer – Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati.
- Why was Nalanda University famous?
Answer – It was an international center of learning with a large library where students from all over the world came to study.
E. Answer the following questions.
- Describe the administrative system of Harsha.
Answer – Harsha was the head of civil and military administration. He had a Council of Ministers (Amatyas/Sachivs) and provincial governors (Uparikas). Village panchayats were headed by Gramik.
- Explain the religious policy of Harsha.
Answer – Harsha was initially a devotee of Shiva but later adopted Buddhist ideas. He was tolerant towards all religions and respected them.
- Mention the public welfare works undertaken by Harsha for his people.
Answer – Harsha built temples, chaityas, dharmashalas, vihars, and granted land to institutions like Nalanda University.
- State the condition of society during Harsha’s rule.
Answer – Society was divided into four varnas. Brahmins were highly respected, but Shudras had a low status. People lived harmoniously.
- Give any three examples to prove that the economy during Harsha’s reign was well-developed.
Answer – (i) Trade flourished with centers like Kapisha and Tamralipti, (ii) Agriculture was productive with taxes collected, (iii) People were prosperous and the state funded education like Nalanda.
Value Based Question
Harshavardhana was a benevolent ruler. He built temples, chaityas, vihars and dharmashalas. He gave financial help to Nalanda university also.
As compared to the welfare activities taken up by Harsha, suggest any five activities which the present government should take up to help the poor and the needy to make them self-dependent, without any consideration of caste or religion.
Answer – Provide free skill development and vocational training.
Create employment opportunities through public projects.
Offer microfinance loans for small businesses.
Ensure free education and healthcare for all.
Launch housing schemes for the underprivileged.
Map Skill
On an outline map of India, mark and label the following:
(a) The important cities-Varanasi, Nalanda, Pataliputra, Thanesar, Tamralipti port.
Answer – Varanasi – Uttar Pradesh
Nalanda – Bihar
Pataliputra – Bihar
Thanesar – Haryana
Tamralipti – West Bengal
(b) Extent of Harsha’s empire.
Answer – Mark regions covering Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, and parts of Rajasthan.
Something To Do
- Collect more information about Magha Mela at Prayaga and the pictures related to it.
Answer – Magha Mela is held annually at the Sangam in Prayag during the Hindu month of Magha (January–February). Devotees take a holy dip, and saints perform rituals. It is a precursor to the Kumbh Mela.
- Make a mind map on the achievements of the Harsha’s period.
Answer – Political: Expansion of empire, good governance
Religious: Tolerance, support to Buddhism
Social: Welfare works, organized society
Economic: Flourishing trade, agriculture
Cultural: Patron of learning and arts, Nalanda, literary works
Additional Questions And Answers – 01
Fill in the Blanks (New Set)
- Harshavardhana ruled from __________ to __________ CE.
Answer: 606 to 647 CE - Harshacharita was written by __________, the court poet of Harsha.
Answer: Banabhatta - The port of __________ was important for foreign trade during Harsha’s rule.
Answer: Tamralipti - The village chief was known as __________.
Answer: Gramik - Harsha organized the Prayag conference every __________ years.
Answer: five - Harsha’s sister was named __________.
Answer: Rajshri - __________ was the administrative head of a province.
Answer: Uparika - The official who supervised the Uparika was called __________.
Answer: Uparika-Maharaja or Kumaramatya - Students came from various parts of the world to study at __________ University.
Answer: Nalanda - Harsha initially worshipped Lord __________ and Lord __________.
Answer: Shiva, Surya
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Harshacharita was written by:
(a) Harsha
(b) Hiuen-Tsang
(c) Banabhatta
(d) Kalidasa
Answer: (c) Banabhatta
- Who killed Rajyavardhana?
(a) Pulakesin II
(b) Shashank
(c) Harsha
(d) Kumaragupta
Answer: (b) Shashank
- The income from how many villages was granted to Nalanda University?
(a) 50
(b) 100
(c) 200
(d) 500
Answer: (c) 200
- Harsha’s empire did NOT include:
(a) Bihar
(b) Tamil Nadu
(c) Uttar Pradesh
(d) Rajasthan
Answer: (b) Tamil Nadu
- The Chinese traveler Hiuen-Tsang came during the reign of:
(a) Ashoka
(b) Chandragupta
(c) Harshavardhana
(d) Akbar
Answer: (c) Harshavardhana
True/False Questions
- Harsha’s ministers were called Sachivs or Amatyas.
Answer: True - Harsha only supported Buddhism and opposed Hinduism.
Answer: False - Farmers paid taxes in cash only.
Answer: False - Harsha built educational institutions and supported scholars.
Answer: True - After Harsha’s death, the empire grew stronger.
Answer: False
Short Answer Questions
- Who was Hiuen-Tsang and what did he write about India?
Answer: Hiuen-Tsang was a Chinese Buddhist monk and traveler. He wrote detailed accounts about Indian society, religion, and Harsha’s administration. - Name two welfare works done by Harsha.
Answer: Harsha built temples and dharmashalas and donated to Nalanda University. - Which sects of Hinduism were popular during Harsha’s rule?
Answer: Vaishnavism and Shaivism. - What was the role of Gramik?
Answer: Gramik was the head of the village panchayat and looked after the village’s needs. - Why did Harsha become more inclined toward Buddhism?
Answer: Harsha became inclined towards Buddhism after his contact with Hiuen-Tsang.
Competency-Based (Reasoning & Assertion)
Assertion (A): Harsha donated wealth and belongings every five years at Prayag.
Reason (R): Harsha wanted to reduce the power of Brahmins.
- (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
- (b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
- (c) A is true but R is false
- (d) Both A and R are false
Answer: (c) A is true but R is false
Assertion (A): Harsha gave income from villages to Nalanda University.
Reason (R): He promoted education and learning.
- (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
- (b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
- (c) A is true but R is false
- (d) Both A and R are false
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS)
- If Harsha had not respected all religions, how would that have impacted his empire?
Answer: Intolerance might have led to religious conflicts, unrest, and weakened unity in his diverse empire. - Why was education important to rulers like Harsha?
Answer: Educated citizens and scholars enhanced cultural prestige, administrative skills, and promoted knowledge, helping governance and international reputation. - How did Harsha’s actions at Prayag reflect his leadership values?
Answer: Donating all his belongings showed humility, generosity, and commitment to public welfare and equality.
Long Answer Questions (40–50 words)
- Describe the contributions of Harsha to education and culture.
Answer: Harsha supported education by funding Nalanda University and encouraging literary works. He himself wrote plays like Ratnavali and Priyadarshika. His court poet Banabhatta wrote Harshacharita. Scholars and students from different countries came to study during his reign. - Explain Harsha’s religious policy.
Answer: Harsha was initially a Shaivite but later influenced by Buddhism through Hiuen-Tsang. Despite personal beliefs, he respected all religions. He organized conferences where people of all faiths were welcomed and supported religious institutions of different communities. - What were the features of Harsha’s administration?
Answer: Harsha had a centralized administration supported by ministers called Amatyas. Provinces were ruled by Uparikas and villages by Gramik. He maintained law and order and promoted public welfare through temples, schools, and rest houses.
Additional Questions And Answers – 02
Fill in the Blanks Questions and Answers
- The Vardhman dynasty was founded by ________.
Answer: Prabhakarvardhana - Harshavardhana became king of Sthanvisvara in ________ CE.
Answer: 606 - The main sources of information about Harsha’s reign include the travel account of ________.
Answer: Hiuen-Tsang - Harsha’s empire included present-day ________, Haryana, and Bihar.
Answer: Punjab - The head of a province in Harsha’s administration was called ________.
Answer: Uparika - Harsha organized a conference every five years at ________.
Answer: Prayaga - The income from ________ villages was granted to Nalanda University.
Answer: 200 - ________ was a famous port for foreign trade during Harsha’s reign.
Answer: Tamralipti - Harsha was initially a devotee of ________ and Surya.
Answer: Shiva - The biography Harshacharita was written by ________.
Answer: Banabhatta
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Answers
- Who was the first ruler of the Vardhman dynasty?
a) Harshavardhana
b) Rajyavardhana
c) Prabhakarvardhana
d) Shashank
Answer: c) Prabhakarvardhana - At what age did Harshavardhana become king?
a) 16
b) 20
c) 25
d) 30
Answer: a) 16 - Which of the following was NOT a source of information about Harsha’s reign?
a) Hiuen-Tsang’s travel account
b) Harshacharita
c) Aryabhattiyam
d) Priyadarshika
Answer: c) Aryabhattiyam - What was the administrative unit below Bhuktis called?
a) Vishyas
b) Gramik
c) Samanta
d) Desh
Answer: a) Vishyas - Where did Harsha organize a conference every five years?
a) Nalanda
b) Prayaga
c) Tamralipti
d) Kapisha
Answer: b) Prayaga - Which religion had a significant impact on Harsha after meeting Hiuen-Tsang?
a) Jainism
b) Buddhism
c) Vaishnavism
d) Shaivism
Answer: b) Buddhism - What was the main occupation of people during Harsha’s reign?
a) Trade
b) Agriculture
c) Metallurgy
d) Sculpting
Answer: b) Agriculture - Which university was an international center of education during Harsha’s reign?
a) Taxila
b) Nalanda
c) Kanauj
d) Ujjain
Answer: b) Nalanda - Who wrote Priyadarshika, Naganand, and Ratnavali?
a) Banabhatta
b) Hiuen-Tsang
c) Harshavardhana
d) Kalidasa
Answer: c) Harshavardhana - What was the tax rate on agricultural produce during Harsha’s reign?
a) 1/12th
b) 1/6th
c) 1/4th
d) 1/3rd
Answer: b) 1/6th
True/False Questions and Answers
- Harshavardhana ruled from 606 CE to 647 CE.
Answer: True - Rajyavardhana was killed by Hiuen-Tsang.
Answer: False - Harsha’s administration was different from that of the Guptas.
Answer: False - Harsha was initially a devotee of Shiva and Surya.
Answer: True - Nalanda University was funded by the income from 200 villages.
Answer: True - The Shudras had a high social status during Harsha’s reign.
Answer: False - Harsha gave away all his wealth every five years at Prayaga.
Answer: True - Kapisha was a famous port during Harsha’s reign.
Answer: False - Harsha was intolerant of religions other than Buddhism.
Answer: False - The Vardhman empire remained strong after Harsha’s death.
Answer: False
Short Questions and Answers
- Who founded the Vardhman dynasty?
Answer: Prabhakarvardhana. - What was the capital of Harshavardhana’s empire?
Answer: Sthanvisvara (Thanesar). - Name one source of information about Harsha’s reign.
Answer: Harshacharita. - Who was the head of a province in Harsha’s administration?
Answer: Uparika. - Where did Harsha organize a conference every five years?
Answer: Prayaga. - What was the main occupation during Harsha’s reign?
Answer: Agriculture. - Name one famous port during Harsha’s reign.
Answer: Tamralipti. - Which university was supported by Harsha?
Answer: Nalanda. - Who wrote Harshacharita?
Answer: Banabhatta. - Which religion influenced Harsha after meeting Hiuen-Tsang?
Answer: Buddhism.
Competency-Based Questions and Answers (Reasoning and Assertion)
- Assertion (A): Harshavardhana was a benevolent ruler.
Reason (R): He gave away his wealth every five years at Prayaga.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. - Assertion (A): Harsha’s administration was similar to that of the Guptas.
Reason (R): He had a Council of Ministers and divided his empire into Bhuktis and Vishyas.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. - Assertion (A): Nalanda University was a major center of learning during Harsha’s reign.
Reason (R): It received income from 200 villages for its maintenance.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. - Assertion (A): Harsha was tolerant of all religions.
Reason (R): He initially worshipped Shiva but later embraced Buddhism.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. - Assertion (A): The Vardhman empire declined after Harsha’s death.
Reason (R): Many small independent kingdoms emerged in its place.
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
High Order Thinking Skill (HOTS) Questions and Answers
- Question: Why did Harsha’s empire decline after his death in 647 CE?
Answer: Harsha’s empire declined due to the lack of a strong successor and centralized authority. His death led to political fragmentation, with small kingdoms like the Chalukyas and Pallavas gaining power, disrupting the unity and administrative stability he had maintained. - Question: How did Harsha’s religious tolerance influence his rule?
Answer: Harsha’s tolerance of Hinduism, Buddhism, and other religions fostered social harmony and cultural diversity. His support for Buddhist institutions like Nalanda and Hindu practices, such as alms-giving at Prayaga, strengthened his legitimacy and ensured peaceful coexistence among diverse communities. - Question: Evaluate the significance of Nalanda University during Harsha’s reign.
Answer: Nalanda University, funded by 200 villages, was a global center of learning, attracting students worldwide. Its large library and focus on diverse subjects like philosophy and science elevated India’s intellectual reputation, fostering cultural exchange and preserving knowledge during Harsha’s reign. - Question: How did Harsha’s economic policies contribute to prosperity?
Answer: Harsha’s economic policies, including low agricultural taxes (1/6th of produce) and support for trade through ports like Tamralipti, boosted prosperity. His patronage of agriculture and international trade with regions like Myanmar ensured wealth, supporting infrastructure like Nalanda and public welfare. - Question: Analyze the role of Hiuen-Tsang’s account in understanding Harsha’s reign.
Answer: Hiuen-Tsang’s travel account provides detailed insights into Harsha’s administration, religious tolerance, and societal conditions. As a contemporary source, it highlights Harsha’s patronage of Buddhism and Nalanda, offering a reliable perspective on the cultural and political achievements of his reign.
Long Questions and Answers (40-50 Words)
- Question: Describe the administrative structure of Harsha’s empire.
Answer: Harsha’s administration, similar to the Guptas, featured a powerful king with a Council of Ministers (Sachivs). The empire was divided into Bhuktis, led by Uparikas, and Vishyas, managed by Vishayapatis. Village panchayats, headed by Gramiks, addressed local needs, ensuring efficient governance. - Question: Explain the significance of Harsha’s religious conferences at Prayaga.
Answer: Harsha’s quinquennial conferences at Prayaga, where he distributed wealth to the poor of all religions, showcased his benevolence and religious tolerance. These events strengthened social cohesion, enhanced his reputation as a just ruler, and promoted cultural unity across his diverse empire. - Question: Discuss the economic prosperity during Harsha’s reign.
Answer: Harsha’s reign saw economic prosperity through flourishing trade via ports like Tamralipti and agriculture, with low taxes (1/6th of produce). Centers like Kapisha facilitated international trade with Myanmar, boosting wealth and supporting institutions like Nalanda, ensuring overall economic stability. - Question: How did Harsha’s patronage of Buddhism influence his empire?
Answer: Harsha’s patronage of Buddhism, influenced by Hiuen-Tsang, led to the support of institutions like Nalanda and the construction of viharas. His tolerance of other religions ensured harmony, while Buddhist principles guided his benevolent rule, fostering cultural and intellectual growth. - Question: Analyze the role of literary sources in understanding Harsha’s reign.
Answer: Literary sources like Harshacharita by Banabhatta and Harsha’s own works (Priyadarshika, Naganand) provide insights into his administration, conquests, and cultural patronage. Hiuen-Tsang’s account details his religious tolerance and societal conditions, offering a comprehensive view of his reign’s achievements.