In the context of The early seventh-century transition after Gupta power weakened, when Thanesar, Kannauj, Gauda, and Kamarupa were competing centres of political authority across the Ganges and Brahmaputra regions., Harshavardhana is recognized as Ruler of Thanesar and Kannauj. Harshavardhana succeeded his brother Rajyavardhana and became the dominant ruler of northern India from his base at Thanesar and later Kannauj. In the conflict surrounding Shashanka of Gauda, he formed an alliance with Bhaskaravarman of Kamarupa. This alliance connected the politics of northern India with the struggle for influence in and around Bengal.
Contribution
Harshavardhana succeeded his brother Rajyavardhana and became the dominant ruler of northern India from his base at Thanesar and later Kannauj. In the conflict surrounding Shashanka of Gauda, he formed an alliance with Bhaskaravarman of Kamarupa. This alliance connected the politics of northern India with the struggle for influence in and around Bengal.
Impact
Harshavardhana's reign is documented through Banabhatta's Harshacharita, inscriptions, and the travel account of the Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang. These sources illuminate the political geography, court culture, and religious institutions of the period, while their differing perspectives require careful historical reading.
kannaujthanesargaudabhaskaravarmanseventh-century-india
