Question

What was the extent of Harsha’s Empire?
A) The entire Indian Subcontinent
B) The whole of India
C) The entire Deccan region
D) A part of Northern India

Answer 1

Hint: Harshavardhana’s belonged to the Vardhana Dynasty which was also known as the Pushyabhuti Dynasty. father was known to have defeated the Alchon Huns invaders, and the younger brother of Rajyavardhana, who was the king of Thanesar.

Complete answer:
At the peak of his reign, Harshavardhana’s Empire covered a majority of North and Northwestern India. It also extended towards the East till Kamarupa, and South until Narmada River. He eventually set up the city of Kannauj (in the present Uttar Pradesh state) as his capital, and ruled till 647 CE. The famous Chinese explorer Xuanzang also visited India during his reign.

Later, Harsha also tried to expand his Empire into the southern peninsula or the Deccan plateau of India. But he was overpowered by the south Indian Emperor Pulakeshin II of the Chalukya dynasty in the Battle of Narmada. The southern part of India or Deccan India was under the control of the Chalukya and the Pallava dynasties.

King Harshavardhana was the last ruler of the Pushyabhuti Dynasty and was also the ruler who experienced the peak power of his dynasty. His reign which had begun in 606 A.D. ended in 647 A.D. when he died. The reason for his death is still not confirmed. After Harshavardhana’s heirless death, his throne was taken over by a new king named Arunasva.

Thus, the correct answer is Option (D) i.e, A part of Northern India.

Note: The Sanskrit poet Banabhatta, wrote King Harsha’s biography which is called ‘Harshacharita’ meaning ‘Deeds of Harsha’. It mentions his defense walls, the moat, the palace with a two-storied white mansion called Dhavala Griha. It also mentions the king’s associations with Thanesar.