Author: D Devahuti
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Year: 2001
Language: English
Pages: 364
ISBN/UPC (if available): 01956202
Description
Drawing on a wealth of primary source materials this well received book focuses on the reign of Harsha who ruled over a vast empire in northern India during the seventh century AD.
Harsha of Sthanv-isvara and Kanauj ruled over a vast empire in northern India during the seventh century AD. This work focuses on the evolution of ancient Indian political theory and practice during a crucial period of transition in the history of the subcontinent.
This detailed case study of Harsha as the consummate empire builder examines the complex relationship between the ruler and his subjects. It treats the period as part of a continuous historical tradition, both in terms of ideology as well as realpolitik. The author has carefully reconstructed not only the historical events but also skillfully evoked a sense of the physical environment and the ideological climate of the times, drawing on a wealth of primary source materials.
This revised third edition including freshly-translated material from little known Chinese sources as well as corrections made on the basis of recent findings in the field and an enlarged bibliography.
EXCERPTS FROM REVIEWS
It is thorough work, carefully argued and closely based upon the sources. Dr Devahuti's fine work will be cited as the leading authority on Harsha for a long time to come.
- Journal of Asian Studies
The great merit of this book is the success with which the author sets Harsha in his true place as a figure in a continuous political tradition, and the meticulous care with which every source of information - epigraphical, numismatic, sacred and secular, Sanskrit, Chinese and Tibetan, is set out, examined and evaluated for its contribution to the author's purpose.
- Asian Affairs
Dr. Devahuti has placed scholars in her debt with this book. It has added a new dimension to Indian scholarship.
- Indian Express
Contents
List of Plates
Guide to Pronunciation
Abbreviations
CHAPTER I
SOURCES
Need for appraisal of post-Gupta political milieu
CHAPTER II
FROM REGIONAL KINGDOMS TOWARDS AN EMPIRE (NORTHERN INDIA c. A.D. 550-600)
Decline of Imperial Guptas
CHAPTER III
THE VARDHANAS
Sthanv-isvara-Situation
CHAPTER IV
THE EXTENT OF HARSHA'S EMPIRE
Harsha's motives for dig-vijaya
CHAPTER V
THE PRINCIPLES OF POLITY
Harsha's political heritage
CHAPTER VI
HARSHA'S ADMINISTRATION
Contemporary sources
CHAPTER VII
THE SINO-INDIAN MISSIONS AND THE DEATH OF HARSHA
Chinese sources of information
CHAPTER VIII
CONCLUSION
Forms of government in ancient India
Appendix 1 : The Harsha Era
Appendix 2 : The Coins of Harsha Siladitya
Appendix 3 : Maukhari Coins
Appendix 4 : A and B Exchanges of Letters
Between monks in maha-Bodhi monastery in Bodh Gaya and Hsuan-Tsang in Ta 'U-En
Monastery in Ch'Ang-An (Sian)
GENEALOGICAL TABLES
Vardhanas
Letters Guptas
Maukharis
Maitrakas
Chalukyas
Pallavas
Bibliography
Bibliography of chinese Sources
Index