The Pushyabhuti Dynasty

Pushyabhuti dynasty

The Pushyabhuti dynasty also known as the Vardhana dynasty, ruled parts of northern India during 6th and 7th centuries. The dynasty reached its zenith under its last ruler Harsha-Vardhana (c. 590–647 CE), whose empire, the Empire of Harsha, covered much of north and north-western India, and extended till Kamarupa in the east and Narmada River in the south.

 

Rulers

The following are the known rulers of the Pushyabhuti or Vardhana dynasty, with estimated period of reign :

King	Tenure
Pushyabhuti	Not Known
Naravardhana	500–525 CE
Rajyavardana	525–555 CE
Adityavardhana	555–580 CE
Prabhakara-vardhana	580–605 CE
Rajya-vardhana	605–606 CE
Harsha-vardhana	606–647 CE

 

 

The most prominent ruler of the dynasty: “Harshavardhana”

Harsha (c. 590–647 CE), also known as Harshavardhana, was an Indian emperor who ruled North India from 606 to 647 CE. He was the son of Prabhakarvardhana who defeated the Huna invaders,and the younger brother of Rajyavardhana, a king of Thanesar, present-day Haryana (Kurukshetra 160 KM from Delhi).

At the height of Harsha’s power, his Empire covered much of North and Northwestern India, extended East till Kamarupa, and South until Narmada River; and eventually made Kannauj his capital and ruled till 647 CE.

Administration

Harsha maintained the administrative set-up of his empire on the model of previous great Hindu rulers. He himself was the head of the state, and all administrative, legislative and judicial powers were concentrated in his hands.

He was also the first Commander-in-Chief of his army. Harsha assumed the title of Maharajadhiraja. The king was assisted by a council of ministers which was quite effective.

Key ranks held by officers	Meaning
Avanti	Affairs of war and peace
Singhanada	Commander-in-Chief
Kuntala	Head of the cavalry
Samanta-Maharaja	Head of the civil administration

 

The empire was divided into bhuktis (provinces) and then further into vishayas (districts) for the sake of administrative convenience. The village was the smallest unit of administration.

The high officers were paid in terms of jagirs (land) for their services, giving rise to Jagiradari (feudalism).

Prayag Assembly

Harsha did not put much burden of taxation on his subjects and also reduced the administrative expenditure of the state.

The primary source of income of the state was land revenue called bhaga which was 1/6th of the produce and was paid in kind. Hirnya, Bali, sales-tax, toll tax etc. were other sources of income besides presentation by feudatory chiefs to the emperor.

Harsha organised religious assemblies every fifth year of his reign at Prayag (Allahabad). He held six such assemblies during his reign. Whatever was left in the state treasury after five years, Harsha used to give it all in charity at that time. It is said that he used to distribute in charity even his personal belongings.

Army

Harsha kept a strong standing army at the Centre. The cavalry, the infantry, chariots and war-elephants were the chief constituents of his army.

According to Hiuen Tsang the army of Harsha constituted 60,000 war-elephants, 50,000 strong cavalry and 1,00,000 strong infantry. Hiuen Tsang described that the war elephants were given swords in their trunks. The Commander-in-Chief fought while on the back of an elephant. The chariots were drawn by four horses. High officers sat in them while fighting.

Social Condition

The four-fold division of the Hindu society in castes continued to be effective though, of course, sub-castes were also emerging. The caste-system was getting more rigid though interdining and intercaste marriages were possible.

The practice of Sati was getting encouragement, though restricted only to higher castes. There was no Purdah system but there were several restrictions on the movements of women in society. People pursued a simple and moral life and avoided consumption of meat, onion and liquor.

Architecture

The architecture during Harsha’s period was based on Gupta style primarily. Hiuen Tsang refers to a 8 feet tall copper Buddha statue. He also talk of a multistory monastery at Nalanda. In Chhattisgarh at Sirpur, a brick temple of Lakshman is surviving example of architecture during Harsh’a period.

Economic Conditions

In general, there was prosperity within the empire. Agriculture, industries and trade, both internal and external, were in a flourishing condition.

Prayag (Allahabad), Banaras and Kannauj were prosperous cities within the empire.The capital city, Kannauj was an extensive, prosperous and well protected city. It had large buildings, beautiful gardens and swimming-pools. It was inhabited by the rich, cultured and highly learned people. The people, in general, were interested in literary activities and fine arts.

Religious Conditions

Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism were still the popular religions in India. Prayag and Banaras were the main centres of Hinduism. The popular sect of Buddhism was Mahayana.

Harsha was attracted towards Buddhism. He is said to have erected many Buddhist Stupas and monasteries.

He prohibited the slaughter of animals and made arrangements for free supply of food and medicines to the poor and the destitute. Harsha was never a convert to Buddhism and continued to worship Siva and Surya even during the later period of his life.

Learning and Literature

Harsha himself was a scholar and wrote three Sanskrit plays, entitled the Nagananda, the Ratnavali and the Priyadarsika. Harsha was a patron of learning and scholars. It has been said that he spent ¼ of his income on education and learning.

The universities of Nalanda, Vallabhi and the one run by Divakara in Vindhya forest were centres of learning at that time. There, facilities were available not only for the study of philosophy but that of law and physical sciences as well.

Among universities, the University of Nalanda was the most celebrated where students and scholars from all parts of the country as well as from foreign countries gathered for education and learning.

- By Prajwal Kumbhar

 

 

References

1.  Infosrf.com

      (Dynasty, Administration, Life Struggle of Emperor Harshavardhana)

2.  NCERT - Our Past-I

3.  Image ref-

        https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pushyabhuti_dynasty

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