HARSHWARDHAN & CONQUEST

Question 1

Who established the Vardhan dynasty?

Answer 1

The Pushyabhutis established the Vardhan dynasty at Thaneswar.

Question 2

Who was Harshavardhana’s father?

Answer 2

Prabhakara Vardhana.

Question 3

How did Harshavardhana come to power?

Answer 3

He ascended the throne after his brother Rajavardhana was treacherously murdered by Sasanka, the Gauda ruler of Bengal.

Question 4

What was the capital of Harsha’s empire?

Answer 4

Kanauj.

Question 5

Which title did Harsha assume after becoming king?

Answer 5

He took the titles ‘Rajputra’ and ‘Siladitya’.

Question 6

Whom did Harsha defeat to avenge his sister Rajyasri?

Answer 6

He killed Deva Gupta of Malwa.

Question 7

With which kingdom did Harsha form an alliance against Sasanka?

Answer 7

Kamarupa (Assam).

Question 8

Who defeated Harsha in the south?

Answer 8

Chalukya king Pulakesin II.

Question 9

What title did Pulakesin II assume after defeating Harsha?

Answer 9

‘Parameswara’.

Question 10

How did Harsha incorporate the Maitrakas into his empire?

Answer 10

Through a matrimonial alliance between his daughter and Dhruvabhatta of Valabhi.

Question 11

What regions were part of Harsha’s empire?

Answer 11

Assam, Bengal, Bihar, Kanauj, Malwa, Odisha, Punjab, Kashmir, Nepal, and Sindh.

Question 12

Which inscription mentions Harsha’s defeat by Pulakesin II?

Answer 12

The Aihole inscription by Ravikirti.

Question 13

How did Harsha maintain relations with China?

Answer 13

He had diplomatic ties with the T’ang emperor Tai Tsung, who sent embassies in 643 AD and 647 AD.

Question 14

Who wrote about Harsha’s administration?

Answer 14

Hieun Tsang.

Question 15

What were the four divisions of Harsha’s administration?

Answer 15

Revenue, judiciary, military, and local governance.

Question 16

What was the main source of revenue in Harsha’s empire?

Answer 16

Land tax (Bhaga), cash tax (Hiranya), and other duties.

Question 17

What was the judicial system like under Harsha?

Answer 17

It included strict punishments like maiming, banishment, and life imprisonment.

Question 18

What was Harsha’s religious policy?

Answer 18

He initially worshipped Shiva but later embraced Buddhism under his sister Rajyasri’s influence.

Question 19

What were the two major Buddhist assemblies held by Harsha?

Answer 19

The Kanauj Assembly and the Prayag Assembly (Mahamoksha Parishad).

Question 20

What major educational institution flourished during Harsha’s reign?

Answer 20

Nalanda University.

Question 21

What literary works did Harsha author?

Answer 21

‘Priyadarsika’, ‘Ratnavali’, and ‘Nagananda’.

Question 22

Who was Harsha’s court poet?

Answer 22

Bana, who wrote ‘Harshacharita’ and ‘Kadambari’.

Question 23

What was the status of women during Harsha’s time?

Answer 23

Purdah was practiced by some, Sati existed, and noblewomen had more freedom.

Question 24

How did Harsha contribute to public welfare?

Answer 24

He built hospitals, rest houses (Dharamshalas), and supported education.

Question 25

What were the key divisions of Harsha’s empire?

Answer 25

Provinces, Bhuktis, Vishayas, and Pathakas.

Question 26

What were the four divisions of Harsha’s army?

Answer 26

Infantry, cavalry, elephants, and chariots.

Question 27

What were the common dietary habits during Harsha’s reign?

Answer 27

Mostly vegetarian, rare use of onion and garlic, and avoidance of beef.

Question 28

What role did Hieun Tsang play in documenting Harsha’s rule?

Answer 28

He wrote 'Si-Yu-Ki' and recorded Harsha’s policies and culture.

Question 29

What led to the decline of Pataliputra and the rise of Kanauj?

Answer 29

Decline of trade, loss of importance, and Kanauj’s strategic location in the doab region.

Question 30

What happened to Harsha’s empire after his death?

Answer 30

It disintegrated rapidly into small states.

Question 31

Harsha accepted throne one the advice of

Answer 31

Avlokiteshwar Bodhisattwa