Harshavardhana was a great Indian emperor who ruled the sub-continent from 606 to 647 AD. Details of his rule are described in various sources, many of which have survived to the present day. These include:

==> Written accounts by travelers who visited India during that time
==> Official Chinese accounts
==> Coins and other inscriptions
==> Literature works of that era

Harshavardhana was the son of Prabhakaravardhana who was the ruler of Thaneswar. Prabhakaravardana died in 605 AD. Subsequently, in a battle between Rajyavardhan and Sasanka, the King of Kannauj, Sasanka was killed. Thus, the throne of Kannauj became vacant and Harshavardhana became the King of Kannauj. After ascending the throne, Harshavardhana pursued a policy of conquest and expanded his empire to include the present day Punjab, Bihar and Bengal. However, Harshavardhana's attempts to conquer South India failed because of Chalukyas under Pulekesin II were very strong.

Harshavardhana's reign was very stable because of proper administration, diplomatic relations and religious tolerance. Harshavardhana extended diplomatic relations to countries such as China. Apart from being an able administrator, Harshavardhana was also a poet and writer.

In 5643 AD, Harshavardhana organized an assembly in Kannauj in which many notable Brahmin scholars, Buddhist monks and jains took part and engaged in religious discourses. The famous Chinese traveler, Huien Tsang was a royal guest at the assembly. The ceremonies lasted for two months during which many tributes were offered to Buddha and alms were distributed to the poor. During this period, Kannauj flourished and many new buildings, gardens and tanks were constructed. The inhabitants of the city lived a prosperous life.

The reign of Harshavardhana was very stable and prosperous due to his personal supervision. An efficient civil service was organized to ensure the smooth functioning of the administration. Many provinces of the empire were ruled by local Rajas. Land revenue was fixed at one-sixth of the production. The penal code was made very strict to prevent crime. Mutations and banishment were common for severe crimes.

Harshavardhana's rule was a combination of the policies of his predecessors like Samudragupta and Ashoka. His empire lasted till 647 AD. After his death, North India became fragmented into numerous smaller kingdoms. The subsequent centuries saw the onslaught of Islamic invaders who defeated the local kingdoms and subjugated its people.

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